It is starting to become clear that Kreider has an established pattern. We like to call it chippy. If he had on another jersey, he would be despised here.
One thing for sure is that Kreider is not accidentally making things happen. He is very aware of his actions.
That's not "for sure" at all. The thing that is for sure is that his speed and size is more than the vast majority of NHL defenders can handle. Emelin for example, CLEARLY tripped him into Price. There is no debating that anymore. We saw the video, in slow mo, over and over. You see Emelin's stick flex against his leg very, very clearly.
The guy is playing to his strengths. In one highly publicized case, a team that whined incessantly about everything made it a media trial when one of their own players tripped CK into their goalie. That's it. There's really nothing more to it than that.
He gives slower defenders an option when he's got a head of steam - get beat, or take a penalty. When they take the penalty, they generally haul down a huge man traveling very fast, often times right in front of the crease. Not a good idea if you're so concerned about your goalie's health.
I sincerely hope that he keeps playing exactly the same way. There is absolutely no reason to stop.
Kreider can't fight, so he's in big trouble if a coach says enough is enough and sends a heavy goon after him. I wouldn't be surprised if that happens against Montreal...
It's 2014. There's a 0% chance of that happening. You don't have to fight at all if someone engages you. Even if you drop them, a guy like Kreider could push/wrestle almost anyone to the ground rather than trade punches with a goon as a first line forward.
