Automatic Chara suspension recinded

[egroen 384]

Well they obviously can't classify "enforcer" in the rule book. But the criteria on past incidents etc. make it pretty easy to see the type of game someone plays.

For an example, if Datsyuk decides to stick up for himself at the end of the game would this forum still be asking the league to enforce this?

And if you don't like this rule would you like seeing Tootoo or Cooke out at the end of the game taking runs at Lidstrom etc.

It's an utterly idiotic rule that has been rescinded more often than it has been enforced.

Goons rarely play in the final 5 minutes, and if they do, by that time your star players are resting up for the next one.

[Carman 387]

It's an utterly idiotic rule that has been rescinded more often than it has been enforced.

Goons rarely play in the final 5 minutes, and if they do, by that time your star players are resting up for the next one.

Exactly why this rule isn't enforced too often. But if a team does try to send a message by sending a enforcer at the end of the game this rule is there to enforce.

[egroen 384]

Exactly why this rule isn't enforced too often. But if a team does try to send a message by sending a enforcer at the end of the game this rule is there to enforce.

Making up a rule to single out players for carrying firearms onto the ice would make about as much sense.

Having watched the review, Chara should never have been called for instigating on that play in the first place.

Edited April 24, 2010 by egroen

[Buppy 1,720]

Well they obviously can't classify "enforcer" in the rule book. But the criteria on past incidents etc. make it pretty easy to see the type of game someone plays.

For an example, if Datsyuk decides to stick up for himself at the end of the game would this forum still be asking the league to enforce this?

And if you don't like this rule would you like seeing Tootoo or Cooke out at the end of the game taking runs at Lidstrom etc.

I take that to mean that you DO want to see Crosby or Ovie out taking runs at people?

The point of the rule is to stop ANYONE from doing that crap. Shouldn't make any difference if it's Chara or Chuck Norris riding a Rhino.

It's a suspension for instigating, not for fighting. You don't typically see instigators handed out to people 'sticking up for themselves'. (From the league's explanation, it sounds like they're saying Chara shouldn't have gotten one, but I haven't seen the incident, so I can't say.) The refs are certainly capable of giving out instigators when they shouldn't, so i don't absolutely hate the clause, but you have to admit it is starting to look like a superstar get out of jail free card.

[TheWestWing 71]

The wrong flowchart was posted earlier......

[CupCrazy22 6]

It's pretty clear he was reacting to the slash that Gaustad gave him, which would then be explain by the bold and underlined text in the rulebook.

47.22 Fines and Suspensions – Instigator in Final Five Minutes of Regulation Time (or Anytime in Overtime) - A player or goalkeeper who is deemed to be the instigator of an altercation in the final five (5) minutes of regulation time or at anytime in overtime, shall automatically be suspended for one game. The Director of Hockey Operations will review every such incident and may rescind the suspension based on a number of criteria. The criteria for the review shall include, but not limited to, the score, previous incidents, etc. The length of suspension will double for each subsequent offense. This suspension shall be served in addition to any other automatic suspensions a player may incur for an accumulation of three or more instigator penalties.

When the one-game suspension is imposed, the Coach shall be fined $10,000 – a fine that will double for each subsequent incident.

No team appeals will be permitted either verbally or in writing regarding the assessment of this automatic suspension.

Edited April 24, 2010 by CupCrazy22

[Holmstrom96 347]

The wrong flowchart was posted earlier......

WIN

[Lovin Jiri Fischer 147]

Well they obviously can't classify "enforcer" in the rule book. But the criteria on past incidents etc. make it pretty easy to see the type of game someone plays.

For an example, if Datsyuk decides to stick up for himself at the end of the game would this forum still be asking the league to enforce this?

And if you don't like this rule would you like seeing Tootoo or Cooke out at the end of the game taking runs at Lidstrom etc.

If Datsyuk was sticking up for himself at the end of the game, how would he be the instigator? The guy he's sticking up for himself against would be the instigator here, and he should get the suspension.

[Louisville 112]

Agreeing with Carman isn't a.. usual.. thing for me, but he's absolutely right here. The spirit of this rule is to stop message sending, and in cases where the fight has clearly been the result of intensity and not gooning it up, the NHL has consistently overturned the suspension.

Then can someone explain to me Malkin and Crosby last year? Wasn't the whole point of that for them to send a message to the Wings? I don't remember what the league had to say about it.

[PotbellyJoe 10]

Then can someone explain to me Malkin and Crosby last year? Wasn't the whole point of that for them to send a message to the Wings? I don't remember what the league had to say about it.

They basically stated that Malkin should not have received the instigator so they weren't going to allow the suspension. That was their take on it.

[egroen 384]

They basically stated that Malkin should not have received the instigator so they weren't going to allow the suspension. That was their take on it.

I think it was more akin to "star players are incapable of sending a message".

Malkin was simply retaliating b/c Zetterberg offensively turned his back on him.

[brett 1,029]

chara is a f***in goon, i really think the guy is way overrated and should have never won the norris last year.

[newfy 695]

chara is a f***in goon, i really think the guy is way overrated and should have never won the norris last year.

Chara is a beast. Hits, fights, scores and plays shutdown D. He had an off season this year but last year he for sure deserved it.

[GoOzzieGo 22]

Chara was skating and staying in the play when the Buffalo player took a slight whack at the back of Chara's ankle. That is when Chara turned around and went after him. Watch it on youtube and tell me you guys would not be throwing a fit if any one of our Wings got suspended for that incident. In my opinion, nothing about that incident warrants a suspension.

[Guest micah]

Chara was skating and staying in the play when the Buffalo player took a slight whack at the back of Chara's ankle. That is when Chara turned around and went after him. Watch it on youtube and tell me you guys would not be throwing a fit if any one of our Wings got suspended for that incident. In my opinion, nothing about that incident warrants a suspension.

Agreed.

Chara did what people are supposed to do when they get hit with a stick, hit back, not wait to be hit with a stick again. This rule applies in grade school, in bars, on the ice or in a church. Do not allow opther people to hit you with sticks.

Anyone who was paying attention when the last five minute instigator suspension rule came to be would know that it was not intended to - and was stated time and time again that it would not apply to players who did not make a living out of beating people up. The league wants guys like Chara and Malkin mixing it up, that sort of display of emotion is great for the game. Chris Simon jumping someone with 20 seconds to go when his team is down 6-1 is not good for the game and needs to be detered and punished.

I would very much like to see the instigator rule ammended - Chara did not deserve the extra penalty, Gausted did. IMO, any time a fight follows a slash, boarding, crosschecking or post-whistle contact (like facewashing), the player who innitoiates the first contact should get the instigator. The league should not penalize players for kicking the s*** out of players who deserve to get the s*** kicked out of them. Play a polite, respectful game inside the rules, skate quietly to the bench when the whistle blows and you'll be fine. Act like an ******* and you'll get a penalty and get beat-up. That's how it should be.

[Konnan511 1,736]

How can you be an instigator in a fight, but be goaded into it? That's like saying you were speeding, but you were going with the flow of traffic so it's ok.

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

From TSN :

The Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres were informed by the NHL on Friday night that Boston captain Zdeno Chara will not be suspended for the end of game instigator he was assessed in the Bruins' 4-1 loss to the Sabres.

However, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli had to formally submit a written request to Terry Gregson, the NHL's director of officiating, to have the instigator rescinded.

Two instigator penalties during the Stanley Cup playoffs results in an automatic suspension.

Chara was not involved in any in-game incident prior to his retaliation which under Rule 47.22 provides the criteria for Colin Campbell, the NHL's Director of Hockey Operations, to lift the automatic suspension which coincides with this penalty.