It’s now November, a month into the NHL season and wow so many injuries to players. Here’s a quick list of some of the notable players that are out with an injury: Thrashers Ilya Kovalchuk, Bruins Marc Savard and Milan Lucic, Hurricanes Eric Staal, Avalanche Darcy Tucker, Stars Jere Lehtinen, Red Wings Johan Franzen, Oilers Sheldon Souray, Panthers David Booth, Canadiens Andrei Markov, Predators Jason Arnott, Devils Paul Martin, Islanders Trent Hunter, Senators Jason Spezza, Flyers Daniel Briere, Flyers Simon Gagne, Penguins Evgeni Malkin, Penguins Sergei Gonchar, Blues, Andy McDonald, Canucks Roberto Luongo, Canucks Daniel Sedin, and Capitals Alex Ovechkin. Wow that’s like an All-Star team right there. Speaking of injuries Maple Leafs Phil Kessel is supposedly making his debut with the Leafs against the Lightning on Tuesday.
With all of the injuries mentioned above, some of those were caused by hits that have been questionable. There have been some suspensions already this season and also some non-suspensions which maybe should have happened. On October 23rd, Hurricanes Tuomo Ruutu hit Avalanche Darcy Tucker from behind against the boards making Tucker hit his head against the glass. Ruutu was thrown out of the game and Tucker was taken off on a stretcher. Tucker was later diagnosed with a concussion. Ruutu was suspended for two games.
On October 24th, Flyers Mike Richards hit Panthers David Booth unconscious and gave Booth a concussion with a hit to the head in open ice. Richards was not suspended for the hit but he was thrown out of the game for the hit.
Also on October 24th, Stars agitator Steve Ott went low and flipped Blues Carlo Colaiacovo in the air. Ott didn’t receive a penalty but was later suspended for two games for that hit.
On October 25th, Kings Rob Scuderi went really low on Blue Jackets Jason Chimera sending him up and over Scuderi almost looking like he may break his neck but fortunately only had a cut on his face. Scuderi was fined for the hit.
Yesterday Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski was suspended for two games for his hit to Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan. There was no penalty on the play.
What do you think about these hits? Did they deserve suspensions or fines or nothing? I personally thought that Ruutu should have got more games, and Richards and Scuderi should have been suspended.
The NHL three stars for the month of October are: first star is Colorado Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson, second star is Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin, and third star is Phoenix Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. Craig Anderson went 10-2-2 with 2.04 GAA and a 93.9% save percentage. Alex Ovechkin leads the league in goals with 14 goals. Ilya Bryzgalov went 8-3-0 with a 1.78 GAA and a 93% save percentage. Three players who are definitely helping their teams with the records that they have. I don’t think anyone expected Colorado or Phoenix to have the starts that they have had but their goalies have played great.
