NHL Double Standard Suspensions

As we saw earlier in the season, repeat offender, Chris Simon received 30 games for stepping on Jarkko Ruutu of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

A similar incident shown in this video, sees NHL All-Star Chris Pronger stepping on Ryan Kessler of the Vancouver Canucks.

Pronger received no suspension.

Upon further review of better video footage provided to the league, Chris Pronger has now been handed an 8 Game suspension.  While thisdoes serve some justice, it is still a slap on the wrist compared to the 30 games that Chris Simon received.  I guess fans can take some refuge in the fact that this suspension will cost Pronger more than $600,000 in salary.

Here is what Pronger had to say following the announcement of his suspension:

“I’d like to apologize to Ryan Kesler, the Vancouver Canucks, my teammates, and the National Hockey League for my actions last Wednesday night,” Pronger said in a statement. “While I did not intend to injure Ryan, I respect the league’s decision on this matter and look forward to returning to the ice and leading my teammates into the playoffs.”

Are you surprised by this?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.