Totally immaterial. Rinaldo didn't lay the hit. Rule 48 is pretty clear that contact to the head is legal if the league feels that the player who was hit put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the contact.
Obviously they feel that Voracek had his head down and put himself in a bad spot. - Jsaquella
c'mon i think we all know if rinaldo lays the same hit it's a big suspension. he got 2 games for a shoulder to shoulder hit
according to the rule that's not supposed to matter unless it happens right before the hit - flyerscup2011
I dont think the head was targeted on purpose. He went to deliver a blow to a player with his head down. When Voracek lifted his head up Kronwall was delivering the hit which caught him up high. The NHL ruled it a clean hit and so did Voracek.
Location: There's always next year., NT Joined: 08.03.2006
Mar 7 @ 1:20 PM ET
Not any hit to the head. Rule 48 states that there are mitigating circumstances that will make certain hits unpunished.
Voracek himself says it was a clean hit, and that he was at fault for putting himself in a bad position.
For the afternoon, maybe we could change gears and look at the Zapruder film or some of the Loch Ness videos and see if we can pick out Nessie. - Jsaquella
Back and to the left, back and to the left, back....and to the left.
I dont think the head was targeted on purpose. He went to deliver a blow to a player with his head down. When Voracek lifted his head up Kronwall was delivering the hit which caught him up high. The NHL ruled it a clean hit and so did Voracek. - stveshdy
i just don't get that. it's a clear violation of rule 48, which was put in to eliminate head hits. it's a perfect example of the type of hit the league is trying to do away with, but it's a clean hit. wtf?
Totally immaterial. Rinaldo didn't lay the hit. Rule 48 is pretty clear that contact to the head is legal if the league feels that the player who was hit put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the contact.
Obviously they feel that Voracek had his head down and put himself in a bad spot. - Jsaquella
But his head was down before the check was delivered, which is not immediately prior or simultaneously...
To me this has more to do with the Red Wings already being so depleted with injuries, they couldnt suspend Kornhole too...
Bottom line, players would think twice bout throwing questionable hits if there was no instigator. They would show more respect whether it was clean or not.
i just don't get that. it's a clear violation of rule 48, which was put in to eliminate head hits. it's a perfect example of the type of hit the league is trying to do away with, but it's a clean hit. wtf? - flyerscup2011
Maybe if Voracek was a QB in the NFL he would of got the call. Unfortunately he had his head down and paid the price. I dont like to see people get hit in the head but I think that would of been avoided if he didnt put himself in that position. I dont believe Kronwall had the intent to hit him up high imo.
Bottom line, players would think twice bout throwing questionable hits if there was no instigator. They would show more respect whether it was clean or not. - flyers2001
generally speaking, i've said this for years now...
the lack of respect from all the players is very daunting. Although we will never be able to read the players mind but the "intent to injure" hits or actions are alarming.
But his head was down before the check was delivered, which is not immediately prior or simultaneously...
To me this has more to do with the Red Wings already being so depleted with injuries, they couldnt suspend Kornhole too... - RooNosHockey
His head was down and his side was to Kronwall at the 12:36 mark. He turns and contact is made at 12:35. Voracek is looking down and towards the boards, to corral the puck, and is hit immediately as he turns to head up the ice. Had Voracek not turned, the primary point of contact is probably Voracek's shoulder.
Location: My comments express my views and Eklund's views ...everything I say Eklund agrees with 100% Joined: 12.11.2008
Mar 7 @ 1:25 PM ET
i just don't get that. it's a clear violation of rule 48, which was put in to eliminate head hits. it's a perfect example of the type of hit the league is trying to do away with, but it's a clean hit. wtf? - flyerscup2011
Let's just put the good ol stop sign patch on all the jerseys and ban hitting ...the madness needs to end
His head was down and his side was to Kronwall at the 12:36 mark. He turns and contact is made at 12:35. Voracek is looking down and towards the boards, to corral the puck, and is hit immediately as he turns to head up the ice. Had Voracek not turned, the primary point of contact is probably Voracek's shoulder.
generally speaking, i've said this for years now...
the lack of respect from all the players is very daunting. Although we will never be able to read the players mind but the "intent to injure" hits or actions are alarming. - phi1671
That's the part that is arguable. I don't know that Kronwall specifically targeted Voracek's head, but he sure as Hell knew that Voracek was looking down and was going to light him up for it.
It's a tough one. If the roles were reversed and Coburn had not stepped up on say, Zetterberg, he probably gets shredded here for being soft. Without unilaterally eliminating head shots, plays like that are going to occur.
Maybe if the instigator is gone, there'd be more respect-although there were a couple Flyers challenging Kronwall after the hit.
Location: best smile, 14 without fake tees Joined: 03.28.2008
Mar 7 @ 1:29 PM ET
I couldn't care less. I'm not dealing with theories. I'm dealing with what happened. Rinaldo didn't lay the hit. Kronwall did.
Any guy with a reputation or history of supplemental discipline is going to get less leeway than a guy that doesn't have any. - Jsaquella
NK has a reputation.
The league is trying to do away with head shots.
But head shots are OK if you hit the player who is looking down at the puck, as long as it is not from behind, you don't use your elbow, or leave your feet.
The flip side is arguing intent. None of us are Kronwall, but I'm sure he was fully intending on laying a good lick on Voracek regardless of whether he was vulnerable or not.
The leeway in Rule 48 is the issue. You want to eliminate hits to the head, it HAS to be unilateral, with ZERO wiggle room.
Maybe if Voracek was a QB in the NFL he would of got the call. Unfortunately he had his head down and paid the price. I dont like to see people get hit in the head but I think that would of been avoided if he didnt put himself in that position. I dont believe Kronwall had the intent to hit him up high imo. - stveshdy
You cant say players should be responcible for keeping thier head up to avoid hits to the head, at the same time as saying they dont have to be responcible for squaring up to the boards and getting boarded....
That's the part that is arguable. I don't know that Kronwall specifically targeted Voracek's head, but he sure as Hell knew that Voracek was looking down and was going to light him up for it.
It's a tough one. If the roles were reversed and Coburn had not stepped up on say, Zetterberg, he probably gets shredded here for being soft. Without unilaterally eliminating head shots, plays like that are going to occur.
Maybe if the instigator is gone, there'd be more respect-although there were a couple Flyers challenging Kronwall after the hit. - Jsaquella
right, i don't know what the target was but we all know it wasn't the puck.
never been a fan of the instigator. I love the old stories from Brownie and Chief basically telling someone to cool it or else. that does not happen anymore.
But head shots are OK if you hit the player who is looking down at the puck, as long as it is not from behind, you don't use your elbow, or leave your feet.
I just don't get it. - Marc D
If the player puts himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to contact or simultaneous to the contact, then it's a mitigating factor. From watching the video, Voracek turns from the boards to center ice just before he gets hit. If he's still facing the boards, he's hit on the shoulder and not the face.
