“Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty laid motionless on the ice for several minutes before being taken off the ice on a stretcher after taking a hit from Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara and being driven into the corner of the glass that separates the two benches.
The Canadiens announced just after the start of the third period that Pacioretty was conscious and able to move his arms and legs, but was being taken to a hospital for further tests.
Chara was given a five-minute major for interference — Pacioretty had gotten rid of the puck long before the hit — and also a game misconduct with 16 seconds to play in the second period of a game the Canadiens were leading 4-0.”
I've already debated this with some people, but I believe he does deserve a suspension. I'll admit that it wasn't that hard of a hit and it was legal. The only problems with it was that (1) it was late, and (2) it was an intent to injur.
If you watch the video, Chara and Pacioretty took three strides together AFTER Pacioretty got rid of the puck. After those three strides is when Chara hit the guy. It was clearly a late hit.
The hit was late and unnecessary. Chara knew where he was on the ice. He should have been smarter than deciding to check Pacioretty into the stantion.
If the hit was anywhere else on the ice, it obviously wouldn't have been as bad. However, it was still way after he got rid of the puck.
Pacioretty and Chara do have a bit or history as well. Check this out.
I hope the NHL does give Chara a suspension of at least 5 games. What do you think?
