OV Rocks
Registered User
Like I said initially, I don't think this hit is a penalty.
But the idea that Wilson is a big sad victim because he's so strong that he can't help but throw questionable hits all the time, is complete garbage.
As you say yourself, this is a guy who has obviously put a deal of effort and study into figuring out EXACTLY what he can do to injure opponents without getting hit with suspensions. There's nothing "clean" about this hit, it's exploiting the window of vulnerability when an opponent has barely touched the puck for a split-second, in order to deliver an absolutely borderline hit with a high risk of injury. It's dirty as hell, even though not illegal.
When players talk about a lack of respect in the game, this is what they mean. This kind of hit was not part of the game of hockey until relatively recent years and the league has actively been working to get rid of as much of it as possible. Wilson is apparently willing to be the guy who frustrates that process in order to extend his otherwise irrelevant career.
2000 and 2003 for those hits, this is not new it is a part of the culture of hockey.
Stevens would be kicked out of today's NHL for those hits. Lindros has his head down and Karyia "wasn't expecting a hit". You are on the ice in the NHL, always expect a hit.
He is hitting people exactly how he should be which is why he has relatively avoided further consequences. Players with their heads down or players who have put themselves in a position that are vulnerable to get hit need to be more aware on the ice. I am a full supporter of preventing concussions but now we are getting to a point where a suspension comes from a player for hitting someone who has put themselves in a vulnerable position or weren't expecting to be hit. That will take hits out of the game.