During the second period of Sunday's game between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins, Alex Ovechkin leveled Zbynek Michalek along the boards. No penalty was called on the play, but was the hit worthy of a fine or suspension from the NHL? Take a look after the jump.
Replays showed that Ovechkin left his feet before making contact with Michalek, which is a suspendable offense.
Also, Ovechkin's shoulder makes contact with Michalek's head. While the head may not have been the principal point of contact, such hits have been the primary target of the NHL this season as the league looks to limit head injuries.
Ovechkin has been suspended twice, with both coming during the 2009-10 season. Yet, he is not a repeat offender as Russian Machine Never Breaks' Peter Hassett points out:
By the CBA's definition (18.4.c), Alex Ovechkin is not a repeat offender. His last discipline was in March of 2010, more than 18 months ago...Ovechkin's status as a repeat offender expired several months ago, but any history of discipline may still be considered by Brendan Shanahan...
Regardless, Ovechkin does have a prior history, which could factor into the league's possible discussion. TSN's Bob McKenzie provided his insight on Twitter Sunday:
I would be shocked if Ovechkin hit on Michalek doesn't lead to supplementary discipline. Left his feet. Hit the head. Repeat offender.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 23, 2012
BTW, it has been more than 18 months since Ovechkin's last suspension, so he would lose "days" pay, not "games," for suspension.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 23, 2012
But any player who has suspension "history" (no statute of limitations), that can play into decision whether to pursue on borderline calls.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 23, 2012
On the other hand, as said before, no penalty was called on the play. Michalek was also not injured and continued to play after the hit. This should make for an interesting decision/indecision from the NHL.