Tyler in Thornhill, Ontario asks…
Should Alexander Ovechkin be suspended for his hit on Brian Campbell?
Answer: Yes
Alexander Ovechkin’s hit on Brian Campbell was a clear attempt to injure. One may make a compelling argument that too many steamboats passed before the Capitals’ forward nailed Campbell. But, the lateness of the check was insignificant.
The problem was the angle of the hit. The Blackhawks’ defenseman was facing the end boards. Ovechkin pushed Campbell into the boards from behind. The Russian sniper appropriately received a match penalty for the vicious hit.
Now, the National Hockey League ought to throw the book at Ovie. His dangerous check warrants at least a five-game suspension.
Mikael Samulesson has excelled with the Vancouver Canucks. The former Detroit Red Wings forward is playing in his second 20-goal season and first 30-goal campaign. Samuelsson’s tremendous week included six lamp lightings and four assists in four games, en route to a 3-0-1 record for the Canucks. He scored his first National Hockey League hat trick in a four-point, 6-4 Vancouver victory over the shockingly strong Colorado Avalanche. The thirty-three year old has already set career highs in goals (30) and points (53). A $2.5 million cap hit makes his contract one of the most reasonable of all non-entry level deals in the NHL. Samuelsson was named the NHL’s first start of the week; he beat second star Lee Stempniak’s five goals in three games performance. 