Forgive the obvious pun in the title as this situation just happens to involve the Dallas Stars' best player, Tyler Seguin. But this is no laughing matter for anyone involved.
No one wants to see players get hurt. This includes Dmitry Kulikov who was not trying to hurt Seguin in any way. I'm 150% confident in that, and his lack of any prior history as a "dirty player" or any boiling blood between them during the game says as much.
The hip check that Kulikov used on this play is one that he has used many times in his young career. He is very effective with it and should never stop using it. However, on the play in question that has resulted in him being suspended four games, it appears the NHL is trying to levy a punishment based on who got injured, not how it happened.
Here is Patrick Burke's summary:
Kulikov's impact with Seguin was certainly unfortunate, and slightly mistimed to where Kulikov's hip wasn't part of the injury at all. Players mistime hits all the time, in every game. The entire collision was a lot of bad luck at one time.
Does Seguin get hurt has bad if he doesn't inadvertently skate into the contact? Is Kulikov really at fault for lining up a player that had his head down with more than enough time to be aware of who is around him?
Kulikov's hip was at normal height. His head and shoulders were obviously lower, causing the mishap. Kulikov was NOT going for Seguin's knees. Kulikov's hip level is where he was trying to make contact.
Is four games too much? Not enough? If this were some ordinary third line player anywhere else, would the penalty be as severe? Would anyone care?
It's not news the Florida Panthers are always fighting an uphill battle on and off the ice in terms of respect from officials and fans. So it is not out of the realm of possibility that the suspension was harsh in some people's eyes because the 2nd highest scorer in the league is now out for at least a month.
In a perfect world, there would be no such biases and calls like this would be straight down the line no matter who is involved.
I fully admit that I'm biased when I hope for no bias. The Panthers did essentially lose the game based on the 5-minute major and game misconduct that was called on Kulikov after the incident. For a team scraping to make the playoffs, that was a huge penalty, and one that I don't disagree with. Even head coach Gerard Gallant agreed it was the right call at that time. In real speed it looked worse, and unfortunately like it was intentional.
So to lose that game and then lose Kulikov for 4 more is a steep price to pay for something unintentional. But don't get me wrong. Losing Seguin might end Dallas' chances at the playoffs. It is an injury I or anyone else would never want to see. I truly love watching Seguin develop into a league star.
I'm also not saying this hit didn't deserve any discipline. The rare "clipping" call is a dangerous one and cannot be taken lightly.
I wonder what would have happened if the situation was reversed and Jason Demers took out Nick Bjugstad in the same fashion. Would the same punishment be handed out?
Doubtful, and there is precedent for this:
Here's hoping Seguin returns sooner than expected.
Dan Spiegel... Florida Panthers Media