Despres hit on Smid

[Mr Jiggyfly]

The targeting language was removed, not added.

The rest of your post is moot because you have the facts backward.

The league clarified their head targeting rule last summer and this is how it was relayed to Friedman:

First, whether the player attempted to hit squarely through the opponent's body and the head was not "picked" as a result of poor timing, poor angle of approach or unnecessary extension of the body upward or outward.

Second, whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position by assuming a posture that made head contact on an otherwise full body check unavoidable.

Third, whether the opponent materially changed the position of his body or head immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit in a way that significantly contributed to the head contact.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/ho...nhl-clarifies-illegal-check-to-head-rule.html

The second and third points are exactly why the league won't suspended Despres. Smid change the angle of his body right before the hit and put himself in a precarious position.

 

[Shockmaster]

I'm sorry but Despres is going to be suspended

The refs have been trash tonight btw for both teams

I'm sorry but no he isn't.

 

[GoodKnight]

My guess is that it will be like the Bortuzzo hit on D'amigo last year, unavoidable contact to the head, no suspension. somebody spin the wheel of justice!

 

[Alexandrov]

Yeah, no reason to suspend Despres. Hell, no reason to even have a hearing.

 

[FoppaForsberg*]

Yeah that's not suspend-able at all, let alone dirty.

 

[Ragamuffin Gunner]

Good hit. Feet on the ice and elbow tucked.

 

[titaniumexpose]

NHL Wheel of Justice strikes again (or not)

 

[Mister Hockey]

2 games for Smid headbutting Despres.

Couldn't say it any better.