Sharks GM Challenges NHL's interpretation of rule 48.1

[hf101]

From the Sharks:

The Sharks organization fully supports the NHL in its efforts to remove illegal and dangerous hits from the game but we strongly disagree with the NHL's decision to suspend Raffi Torres.

Upon review of the incident, it is abundantly clear that this was a clean hockey hit. As noted by the NHL, Raffi's initial point of contact was a shoulder-to-shoulder hit on an opponent who was playing the puck. He did not leave his feet or elevate, he kept his shoulder tucked and elbow down at his side, and he was gliding - not skating or charging.

As stated in the NHL's Player Safety video, Rule 48.1 says, "A hit resulting in contact with an opponent's head where the head is targeted and the principal point of contact is not permitted." Thus, with the use of the word "and", this rule clearly states that two elements must occur in order to violate the rule. Raffi absolutely did not target his opponent's head on the play. The call on the ice specifically acknowledged that the head was not targeted and nowhere in the NHL's ruling does it insinuate or suggest that the opponent's head was targeted.

Furthermore, the rule goes on to say: "However, in determining whether such a hit should have been permitted, the circumstances of the hit, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit or the head contact on an otherwise legal body check was avoidable, can be considered."

As evidenced in the video, just prior to Torres making contact with the opposing player, that player altered his posture to play a bouncing puck with his hand, placing himself in a vulnerable position.

Comparing the facts of this incident against the actual wording of Rule 48.1, it appears that the NHL has not only made an inappropriate application of this rule but is trying to make an example out of a player who is being judged on past events, one who has changed his game dramatically this season and taken only six minor penalties in 39 games.

We are proud of the work Raffi has put in to successfully adjust his game. Although it's unfortunate that Jarret was injured on the play, we feel this decision is grossly unfair to the Raffi, his teammates and our fans. However, Raffi does not want to be a distraction to his teammates and has decided not to appeal this suspension and we respect that decision.

http://video.nhl.com...nsole?id=249291

I'm really curious if the NHL will make a response to the comments made by the Sharks organization. Good for them. Rule 48.1 needs to be further clarified.

[AlaskaFlyerFan]

Finally, someone with some balls.

[pilldoc]

@AlaskaFlyerFan

Agreed! Salute to the Sharks organization ! About time someone stands up to the buffoons called the NHL front office. This further proves that there is bias towards certain players in this league.

[ruxpin]

Agree with the Sharks organization and good for them.

Brendan Shanahan is an embarrassment to the league and criminally inept at his job. He should be fired yesterday. It's hard to imagine there is a bigger waste of a pile of #### than Bettman, but Shanahan is it. He needs to go.

[mojo1917]

I think the league stepped on it with this ruling... Further muddling a rule which is intended to protect players. Making the game less physical...Good for the Sharks for sticking up for their player.

Shannahan is in consistent and that's the best thing you can say about him in his current job.

[radoran]

Both rulings this postseason have penalized good hockey plays that any coach in the league wants his players to make.

Good for the Sharks. I may be rooting for them now.

See what Shanahan makes you do?

[yave1964]

I have watched the replay over and over, at the LEAST Stoll is as responsible as Torres. I am a big Raffi fan, love that style of play, and think it is at best borderline. based off that, no suspension.

[ruxpin]

I have watched the replay over and over, at the LEAST Stoll is as responsible as Torres. I am a big Raffi fan, love that style of play, and think it is at best borderline. based off that, no suspension.

Completely. This suspension was completely about his name and the injury to Stoll and nothing to do with the play.

[flyerrod]

Completely. This suspension was completely about his name and the injury to Stoll and nothing to do with the play.

Gryba says hello.....seriously this is getting ridiculous.....

[trevluk]

I'm really curious if the NHL will make a response to the comments made by the Sharks organization. Good for them. Rule 48.1 needs to be further clarified.

The NHL responded....with a $100k fine!!!! WTF? "I am the NHL, you cant say anything to contradict me! Waaaa!! Waaa!!" What a freaking joke this league as become.

[ruxpin]

The NHL responded....with a $100k fine!!!! WTF? "I am the NHL, you cant say anything to contradict me! Waaaa!! Waaa!!" What a freaking joke this league as become.

This really is beginning to piss me off. Not that anyone anywhere should care that ruxpin is pissed off. What does that matter? But I would be willing to bet I'm not alone in that. The NHL is really ticking off a bunch of fans. When a lifer and hall of famer like Dennis Potvin is scratching his head and saying on live broadcast that he cannot understand what the league is doing and is completely lost and doesn't know what the rules are anymore, there is something very wrong.

They are undermining their credibility every time they make a public announcement and it is getting progressively worse. They really do need to change the management at the top while there is still time.

[ruxpin]

I wrote this in the SB but will restate here:

The Sharks need to announce publicly that they refuse to pay the fine (what is the league going to do?) while reiterating their disgust with the ruling and the disciplinarian who made it. It's also time for other teams/GM to grow some and join the fight.

[rob13lee]

Doug Wilson is the best thing to happen to the Sharks since Dean Lombardi....