Anton Volchenkov recieved a 4 game suspension for an elbow to the head of Brad Marchand of the Bruins in last nights Boston win. Perhaps it was warranted, you can be the judge.
But, how is this elbow to the head any different than the one Tampa defenseman Radko Gudas delivered to Mika Zibanejad on Tuesday night? The hit in question occurs around the 2:15 mark
It just goes to show how far NHL Department of Player Safety still has to go.
Both plays are direct contact to the head, and Volchenkov’s is arguably more of a glancing blow because Marchand was able to see it coming. He wasn’t blindsided like Zibanejad was.
Mar. 16, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators center Mika Zibanejad (93) against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Ottawa beats the Sabres 4 to 3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports