If the hit was clean (I didn’t see it), then why did he have to answer for it?
At another time, in a different league, a crushing yet clean hit would be respected, and accepted, for what it is.
That hasn't been the case for a long time. Rightly or wrongly, teams feel the need to respond to big hits on skill players. As a purist, I don't like it. Still, I understand the dynamic, because if other clubs believe they can run your better players with impunity, they will. That, as they say, is a competitive disadvantage. So Backes goes after Ferland.
At this point, that's the way it goes. I fret for David, though he's apparently correct that concussions due to fights are fewer than those sustained after a mega hit. Do hope all understand what #42 is risking, however. That's how badly he wants to contribute.