helicecopter said:The point is the match penalty was undeserved and to suspend Malkin for an Olympics semifinal for what happened on the ice is a ridiculous decision, embarassing for the whole IIHF.
Embarassing for the IIHF is that there was no bylaw in place to punish Ruutu for his charge on Jagr.
Embarassing for hockey is Malkin's actions. As has been mentioned many, many times now, kicking a player is one of the most dangerous things a player can do. Whatever his intent, Malkin attempted to kick Lecavalier. A match penalty is the only possible penalty that can be awarded, and that is completely fair to Malkin, to Havlat, and to everyone who plays the game.
Malkin tried to kick Lecavalier. A one game suspension is more than fair, and should serve as a reminder to Malkin that stupid actions have consequences.