Follow Paul on Twitter: @paulstewart22
If you have ever wondered about where the distinction between a "hockey play" and a "dirty play" gets drawn, last night's game between the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning provided dramatic examples of the contrasts.
There were two hits during the game that, unfortunately, caused an injury to the recipient.
First, Dallas forward Jamie Benn hit Tampa defenseman Victor Hedman along the boards. Hedman had to leave the game. No penalty was called. Shortly thereafter, Tampa defenseman Nikita Nesterov shoved Dallas forward Curtis McKenzie from behind into the boards. McKenzie had to be helped off the ice and was taken to the hospital. Nesterov received a boarding major and game misconduct. He will have a hearing for supplementary discipline.
Let's deconstruct both plays. First, the Benn hit on Hedman:
So many players nowadays do not truly understand how to protect themselves. When I played, it was expected that we learn how to use our arms and the stick as a shield -- not an offensive weapon but a self-preservation buffer. Hedman had opportunity to put his arm up and make his opponent think twice about "finishing his check." No one likes to run themselves headlong into a stiff-arm or stick.
Now for the Nesterov hit on McKenzie:
I think the hit is worth a five-game suspension. Whether Nesterov gets that many games or not, we will soon find out.
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Paul Stewart holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-born citizen to make it to the NHL as both a player and referee. On March 15, 2003, he became the first American-born referee to officiate in 1,000 NHL games.
The longtime referee heads Officiating by Stewart, a consulting, training and evaluation service for officials. Stewart also maintains a busy schedule as a public speaker, fund raiser and master-of-ceremonies for a host of private, corporate and public events. As a non-hockey venture, he is the owner of Lest We Forget.