The Habs and Bruins were doing battle for the 5th time this season and things were going the Canadiens way as Lars Eller set the locals up by 2 goals in the 1st frame, followed by a Gionta tally in the 2nd, but then Boston captain Zdeno Chara ran Max Pacioretty in the stancheon that sits between the benches(where the glass sticks out).
It was a brutal hit and a frightening scene as the collective hush of 21,273 hit home very quickly.
Montreal's crack medical staff pounced immediately, tending to the unconscious Pacioretty.
Chara wound up with a 5 minute penalty for intereference and a game misconduct and many are calling for his head.
NHL discipline czar, Colin Campbell, was also in attendance and so you would have to wonder if his stomach churned along with the rest of the crowd?
Regardless of what the intent was, or who the person throwing the hit was, it was certainly something no one needs to go through.
It was frightening, but more to the point, it was violent and uncalled for. As an ambassador and role model, watching Chara throw this hit just threw me for a loop.
It's hard to argue that Zdeno isn't a respectful player, but having seen what transpired you just have to wonder what he was thinking?
He knew where he was on the ice, and anyone who argues that its a cause of how the rink is designed...well, they should know better.
You may not agree with me, or you may feel more vehement about it, but there is no denying it tainted an otherwise splendid performance by the Canadiens.
The good news: Word is that Pacioretty is ok, moving his extremities and speaking and is being taken to hospital as a precaution.
Beyond that though, it wasn't a pretty hit.
Legal, it was not. Here's a few snapshots to prove why:
*****
Here is the video(warning, not pretty)
- stick tap to Chris Wassel for directing me to the video.
So what do you think?
From all accounts, it certainly sounds like Chara will be in line for a suspension. But to what extent?
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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