In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

Reactions pour in on Lucic-Miller hit and Shanahan's non-suspension

(NHL.com) On Monday, NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan ruled that Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic would receive no suspension for his hit on Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller.  The hit occurred on Saturday night when Miller left his net to retreive a loose puck.  Lucic, also chasing down the puck, rammed into the prone goaltender, knocking him down to the ice. The hit and subsequent non-suspension has been hotly debated for the last 24 hours.  Here is a look at some of the views from notable voices around the NHL.

1.

First reaction from both sides after hit

Boston Herald
Ryan Miller and Sabres’ head coach Lindy Ruff give their immediate feedback to the hit. Miller called Lucic a “piece of (expletive)” while Ruff said it looked like it was open season on hitting goaltenders. Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins’ goaltender, even admits that he was more careful afterwards, expecting retribution from the Sabres players.

2.

Canucks players chime in

Vancouver Sun
In this story from the Vancouver Sun, Vancouver Canucks players are asked their opinion on the Lucic hit. Canuck captain Henrik Sedin believes that Lucic had all the time in the world to change his angle and that the hit was avoidable. Daniel Sedin and Chris Higgins agree with Henrik Sedin, while goaltender Roberto Luongo says the situation was “unfortunate.”

3.

Brendan Shanahan calls Ruff’s comments “irresponsible”

CBC
In this Associated Press article posted on the CBC, Brendan Shanahan responds to the criticism from Lindy Ruff.  He says that it is irresponsible of Buffalo to suggest that it is “open season” on goalies, and that any player that does hit a goalie will find himself subject to review, as was Lucic.

4.

Former NHL referee disagrees with ruling

TSN
TSN correspondent, Kerry Fraser, a former NHL referee, writes, “I believe (Shanahan) really missed this call and has sent the wrong message.” According to Fraser, Lucic should have been suspended for two games. The lack of suspension, he says, will lead to more hits on goalies. With insight from his former job, he is able to provide examples from meetings with general managers when they developed the policy in the first place.

5.

Sabres voice concerns after hearing ruling

Montreal Gazette
On Monday night, Buffalo Sabres’ coach Lindy Ruff re-echoed his concerns about goaltender safety in today’s game. Ryan Miller did not play in Monday’s game - he was out because of the hit. Sabres’ forward Paul Gaustad has a different view, saying that the Sabres' being bullied in Boston was simply unacceptable. He believes his team should have had some sort of phsyical response to Miller being hit, and he expresses regret to his goaltender for his team’s lack of action. At the end of the article, Montreal Gazette hockey writer, Dave Stubbs, inserts his own viewpoint - a foul message has been sent by Shanahan’s lack of discipline on Lucic.