Niklas Kronwall Hits Martin Havlat

UPDATE: With the recent hoopla surrounding Martin Havlat and the Chicago Blackhawks, I thought it appropriate to show some evidence as to why the Blackhawks might have opted to sign Marian Hossa instead of Havlat. Havlat has a history of injuries and this concussion received from Niklas Kronwall could have future consequences. In fact, while both players are relatively 1pt/game producers – Hossa has played 380 games over the past four seasons and havlat has played jut 190.

Niklas Kronwall laid a huge hit on Martin Havlat in Game 3 of the Western Conference final.  Havlat was knocked unconscious momentarily as Kronwall stepped up from his blueline position to hit Havlat as he turned to exit the zone on the wing. Havlat did not return to the game.

Watching the review several times, you can see that Havlat did have the puck in his skates, did have his head down and Kronwall did, as all defensemen are taught from day 1 – stepped up and hit the winger exiting the zone with his head down.

Here is the video evidence.

The officials initially made no call on the play, but after consultation with the linesmen issued Kronwall a 2 minute minor, 5 minute major and a game misconduct for…interference.

Here is the portion of Rule 59 interference that refers to possession of the puck, which is the only way that this play could have been called under this section of the official rules.

Rule 59 – Interference- Possession of the Puck:

The last player to touch the puck, other than the goalkeeper, shall be considered the player in possession. The player deemed in possession of the puck may be checked legally, provided the check is rendered immediately following his loss of possession.

Some folks may argue that this could be considered charging.  By the working definition, charging is usually called when the attacking player leaves his feet, but the official defintion in the rule book leaves the officals wide open to call a charge on almost any hit!

Here is the “official” definition of Rule 43- Charging:

43.1 Charging – A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on a player or goalkeeper who skates or jumps into, or charges an opponent in any manner.

Charging shall mean the actions of a player or goalkeeper who, as a result of distance traveled, shall violently check an opponent in any manner. A “charge” may be the result of a check into the boards, into the goal frame or in open ice.

Now if that doesn’t leave the interpretation of a call wide open for the officials, I don’t know what does! I’m not suggesting removing the rule from the book, but it certainly needs to be more well defined.

The NHL officiating saga in the playoffs continues as the inconsistencies abound from both on and off ice officials.