Thoughts on the Four Minute High Sticking Penalties

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

I was wondering how long the NHL has had the rule, where a high sticking is 4 minutes if the player bleeds?

I've always thought it was a strange rule, maybe one of the strangest in sports, because every high stick could potentially draw blood. Just because it did, doesn't mean it was any more severe than other high sticking situtations. Don't know how many penalties in sports are based on whether a player bleeds or not, but I can't think of any.

I just wish they'd get rid of that rule.

[Guest micah]

I like the rule.

Punish reckless acts. Punnisgh reckless acts that result in injury (even mild injury) more severely than those that don't. Drunk driving something something...

[henrik40 76]

I've never really understood it, but I'm okay with it.

[Echolalia 2,961]

In a way I with something was done about it also, however I wouldn't like the idea of giving a 2 min max penalty for a vicious high stick.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

I like the rule.

Punish reckless acts. Punnisgh reckless acts that result in injury (even mild injury) more severely than those that don't. Drunk driving something something...

But the penalty doesn't necessarily result in severe injuries.

The only difference between the 4 minute and 2 minute high sticking is the blood factor, which doesn't usually depend on the severity of the players high stick.

You're thinking about the 5 minute type, like say McSorley wacking Brashear in the head.

[stevkrause 1,247]

But the penalty doesn't necessarily result in severe injuries.

The only difference between the 4 minute and 2 minute high sticking is the blood factor, which doesn't usually depend on the severity of the players high stick.

You're thinking about the 5 minute type, like say McSorley wacking Brashear in the head.

I agree 100% - I've always thought the same thing... I think it should be judged 100% on severity and not on blood... a guy can take a brutal high stick in the throat (Ribeiro) and it will only be a 2 minute, even though it collapses the guys air pipe, but if he gets a little split lip - 4 minutes...

Anyway, I agree... it's odd...

[Finnish Wing 110]

I like the rule.

Punish reckless acts. Punnisgh reckless acts that result in injury (even mild injury) more severely than those that don't. Drunk driving something something...

Drunk driving is kinda different. You drink before you drive. In 4min penalty the bleeding doesn't start until you "use the stick".

[b.shanafan14 733]

I think its an interesting rule that definitely has its flaws. The biggest flaw lying in the reopening of a cut that draws blood. I can't remember if it was last playoff run or the year before, but I remember an incident where I think Hudler high sticked someone who had caught a puck to the chops or something earlier and just by nicking him in the face, they deemed he had drawn blood and it was a 4 minute penalty.

Does anyone else remember this or am I making it up? Wait.... was it in the triple OT loss Game 5 vs. Pitt in 2008?

[CenterIce 83]

60.3 Double-minor Penalty - When a player or goalkeeper carries or holds any part of his stick above the shoulders of the opponent so that injury results, the Referee shall assess a double-minor penalty for all contact that causes an injury, whether accidental or careless, in the opinion of the Referee.

It doesn't specifically say blood, just injury. However, that has become the standard by default.

[Rick Zombos Ghost 82]

i think the argument would be that if that player is bleeding he cant play until the bleeding is stopped. so you are penalized for that time that you keep that player out of the play.

[Finnish Wing 110]

i think the argument would be that if that player is bleeding he cant play until the bleeding is stopped. so you are penalized for that time that you keep that player out of the play.

ehh...what?

[Rivalred 630]

4 minutes for a high stick and 10 minutes with game misconduct for blood

[Rick Zombos Ghost 82]

ehh...what?

a player isn't allowed to play while bleeding. so if a high stick cuts someone they are essential out for a shift. get it?

[Finnish Wing 110]

a player isn't allowed to play while bleeding. so if a high stick cuts someone they are essential out for a shift. get it?

I don't think that solves anything. Let the bleeding guy be on the bench and replace him with other guy? I think the issue here was calling penalties because of bleeding, and that doesn't actually fix it all.

[dat's sick 1,002]

A high-stick that draws blood is usually more vicious than one that doesn't, thus deserving of 2 minutes extra.

It's not a perfect rule but I understand why it's in place and I see no better alternative.

[Vladifan 680]

Hadn't really thought about it much, but now that I have, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. About the only thing I'd like to see happen is that OUR boyz take lessons from real sleight-of-hand-specialist. One that can teach 'em how to whip off a glove and claw their face real fast. Of course, they'd have to keep their nails pretty sharp, so people might stare when they're off the ice.

Still think it might be worth it.

Edited February 5, 2010 by Vladifan

[Finnish Wing 110]

A high-stick that draws blood is usually more vicious than one that doesn't, thus deserving of 2 minutes extra.

It's not a perfect rule but I understand why it's in place and I see no better alternative.

Well, usually yes. It takes less to start the bleeding when you hit someone in the corner of the eye compared for example hitting someone on the jaw or neck.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

Hadn't really thought about it much, but now that I have, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense. About the only thing I'd like to see happen is that OUR boyz take lessons from real sleight-of-hand-specialist. One that can teach 'em how to whip off a glove and claw their face real fast. Of course, they'd have to keep their nails pretty sharp, so people might stare when their off the ice.

Still think it might be worth it.

Maybe our guys should cut themselves with razors, like they do in pro wrestling.

[Vladifan 680]

Maybe our guys should cut themselves with razors, like they do in pro wrestling.

Helluva'n idea! You could carry that even further, and slice somebody who slams you against the boards more than once during a game?

...mmm...mebee not.

Edited February 5, 2010 by Vladifan

[Rick Zombos Ghost 82]

Maybe our guys should cut themselves with razors, like they do in pro wrestling.

i guarantee you guys have tweaked their nose or bit their lips to draw blood.

[Z and D for the C 712]

4 minutes for a high stick and 10 minutes with game misconduct for blood

I hope that's a joke.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

i guarantee you guys have tweaked their nose or bit their lips to draw blood.

I'd bet that Claude Lemieux was a master of that.

[Rick Zombos Ghost 82]

I'd bet that Claude Lemieux was a master of that.

stanley cup finals you have a chance to give your team 4 minutes on the PP...if i feel a stick hit my face im biting my lip as hard as possible.

[Holmstrom96 347]

It is odd that whenever a Red Wing gets high-sticked that me and my buddies start chanting "BLEED! BLEED! BLEED!"

[Broken 16 381]

It is odd to hope for blood... but I do it all the time.