Paul Stewart: Playoff Stew: Checking to the Head & The Replay Crutch

i think we all just need some time

Not sure if you are watching the same play - McAvoy never was intending to play the puck, and the head was the only point of contact.

Not sure if you are watching the same play - McAvoy never was intending to play the puck, and the head was the only point of contact.
- powerenforcer

The Bruins were on?

I think McAvoy was getting pounded all night and was looking for some payback. He had bad intent but I don't think it was an intentional head shot.
Most people I've read were calling for one game. I think he got it because it was his first time.
The elbow to David Backus was never reviewed yet, that was the same bad intent and a shot to the head.
You can't get 'em all but I'm glad the league is coming down on head shots.

I think McAvoy was getting pounded all night and was looking for some payback. He had bad intent but I don't think it was an intentional head shot.
Most people I've read were calling for one game. I think he got it because it was his first time.
The elbow to David Backus was never reviewed yet, that was the same bad intent and a shot to the head.
You can't get 'em all but I'm glad the league is coming down on head shots.
- OrrFour

The one game suspension seems reasonable regardless of intent (which is somewhat speculative) but based on the hit.

That said it does seem crazy that there is no provision in rules for a 5 minute major on this type of hit; regardless of whether this play warranted 5 minutes or not. Rule should be changed.