Cheater!: Elbowing or Charging - More Reasons to Hate Ho$$a

Coach Barry Trotz, who I have the utmost respect for, is saying in todays paper that Patric Hornqvist did not finish Game 1 because of a skate issue. Color me skeptical.

Looking back at the scarce highlights on NHL.com makes me want to pony up for full Gamecenter Package revealed some interesting tidbits.  Included was this hit on Hornqvist by yours truly, Marian Ho$$a.  There was no penalty on the play, due in part I'm sure, that it was within the first period of game one of the playoffs (i.e. emotions are high, "let 'em play").

The tale of the tape, if nothing else, provided for a great opportunity to provide another installment of "Cheater!", which provides explanations of Hockey penalties to the casual fans out there. (And for the record, I'm not saying this should have been a call... do you?  Vote using the poll at the bottom.)

Here's the video for a full breakdown.

This hit reminds of of a hit on a Red Wing player who I can't remember, during the playoffs.  The story went that he got a concussion during the game, but kept playing, because the rule was that if you suffered  a concussion and sat out the rest of the game, you had to sit out the next game.  He woke up the next morning, and the only reason he figured that he played a game last night was that his foot hurt from where he blocked a slap shot.  He said "my wife had to tell me whether we won or lost".   (I can't remember the player of specifics, if you know, share it in the comments below).

The Rules

1. NHL's New Rule on Headshots:  

Basically: You can't hit a guy in the head.

The Rule: According to the press release: A player is prohibited from making "a lateral, back-pressure or blind-side hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and/or the principal point of contact."


NFL Equivalent/Analogy:  Defensive players are not allowed to touch the quarterback's helmet.  Of course, that rule is enforced with an insane level of strictness.   The NHL rule is punishable only by fine, after the fact.

2. Charging


Basically: You can't blow a guy up.

The Rule: Rule 43.1 states that charging is: "A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on a player or goalkeeper who skates or jumps into, or charges an opponent in any manner. Charging shall mean the actions of a player or goalkeeper who, as a result of distance traveled, shall violently check an opponent in any manner. A “charge” may be the result of a check into the boards, into the goal frame or in open ice."


NFL Equivalent/Analogy:  Tackling.  And just like in the NFL, thats kind of what I love about the games... so... hmm.  Moving on.


3. Elbowing


Basically: Don't elbow.  You need more? Fine.

The Rule:  Rule 46.1 States: Elbowing shall mean the use of an extended elbow in a manner that may or may not cause injury. 


NFL Equivalent/Analogy: Yup, an elbow to the head.  Its 15 yards.


The Poll