Alex talks after Sunday practice

Apr. 25, 2010 Ovi, Backstrom, Boudreau and Poti

Chicago Tribune News Services:

Nashville coach Barry Trotz compared the hit to one that Washington's Alex Ovechkin put on Brian Campbell last month, breaking Campbell's collarbone and resulting in a two-game suspension for Ovechkin.

"I don't even know the difference looking at the two. The league will handle it. I trust the league's judgment. They've been fair all the time," Trotz said. "It's unfortunate Hossa comes out and scores the winning goal. Ironic how that works out, but that's the way it is."

NateEwell: Kane on Ovi's hit: "I wouldn't say was a dirty hit; it was just an unnecessary hit where he put Campbell in a bad situation,"

Update:

NHL Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell conducted a phone hearing with Hossa earlier Sunday afternoon. Campbell made the following statement after the meeting:

"I have made the decision that this play does not warrant supplemental discipline after considering all of the facts, including reviewing the video and speaking with Mr. Hossa," said Campbell. "This play is distinguishable from recent incidents by a number of factors, including the degree of contact involved; the fact that the consequences of the play do not appear to be as severe; that this was a hockey play involving a race for the puck; that Mr. Hossa is not a repeat offender; and that the call of a major penalty by the referee was significant and appropriate."

Eff you, NHL.

Scott Burnside, ESPN:

In a preemptive statement, Campbell also wrote Hossa's incident was different than earlier incidents (read: the Ovechkin hit).

"This play is distinguishable from recent incidents by a number of factors, including the degree of contact involved; the fact that the consequences of the play do not appear to be as severe; that this was a hockey play involving a race for the puck; that Mr. Hossa is not a repeat offender and that the call of a major penalty by the referee was significant and appropriate," Campbell wrote.

The Predators were incensed Hossa wasn't ejected from the game (he could have received the same game misconduct penalty for boarding as Ovechkin did) -- and he should have been. They're no doubt unhappy Hossa will play in Monday's Game 6 in Nashville -- and he shouldn't. He should have been suspended for one game.

But Campbell's follies continue unabated. Not that anything surprises us at this point when it comes to trying to make sense of the league's disciplinary policy.

Carry on.

---

TWEET:

 TWEET THIS: http://tinyurl.com/ovetjkin