Niklas Kronwall is known for his devastating hits, and he was the subject of much debate earlier this season after a questionable hit to Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kessler, but Kronwall could finally face the music from NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan after this bone-jarring check on Philadelphia Flyers forward Jakub Voracek.
Kronwall caught Voracek corralling the puck in the defensive zone with his head down and stepped up with a check that left Voracek looking for the license plate number of the semi that just ran over him. Voracek made an attempt to skate to the bench, but ultimately stayed down on his knees until the next whistle allowed him to get assistance to the bench.
While Kronwall didn’t leave his feet for the hit, as he’s been accused of in the past, nor did he lead with his elbow, the initial point of contact for the check was Voracek’s head, which could and probably should warrant a suspension from Shanahan, although it’s tough to distinguish any intent to injure or target Voracek’s head on Kronwall’s part.
Flyers center Brayden Schenn initially stepped up and tried to engage Kronwall after the hit, but Kronwall stayed in the play and actually missed a solid scoring opportunity right after leveling Voracek. No penalties were immediately assessed on the play and Kronwall remained in the game.
What do you think? Should Kronwall be suspended for his hit on Jakub Voracek? Watch the video below and then weigh in with your opinion!
I think it was a clean hit. Voracek was leading with his head and there was no other place to hit him. No intent to injure and Kronwall never lifted an elbow Keep Yer Head Up, Eh. Is there any responsibility on a player to protect themselves? In this kinder, gentler NHL I suspect good solid hits are becoming a thing of the past.
There’s no way this should be a suspension. The rules say that if the player puts himself in a vulnerable position (and being an idiot and leading with your face while looking down IS a vulnerable – and stupid – position), then it’s a legal hit. He didn’t leave his feet, use the elbow or stick. He was just a brick wall that a dumb@ss ran into because he wasn’t watching where he was going.
Looked clean to me, I’m glad no suspension was given.
that’s a clean kronwalled check!
He just got KROWNWALLED!!!