On Downie and Kunitz: Sentences For Each? (Your Guess is as Good as Any)

Quick thoughts on both questionable hits from last night?s Pens/Bolts game three:

First, on Steve Downie?s apparent charge on Ben Lovejoy, which would have been called a penalty, had Max Talbot not scored just moments later.

At first glance (which for me came via the tail-end of a bad replay, having missed the play when it happened because I was on the phone with TSN Radio) I thought Downie appeared to leave his feet only after the initial point of contact. Later, having seen the replay again in much more clarity, the penalty that Downie would have been assessed certainly would have been just. By definition, that was a charge.

I wonder, then, if he might come out of today?s hearing with a fine, maybe, but no suspension? A penalty was being assessed. That said call was wiped out because of a goal should have no bearing on that fact. Lovejoy wasn?t injured on the play, something that is often taken into consideration on supplemental discipline decisions these days (though whether that should happen or not is a subject up for much debate).

Naturally, Downie?s status as a repeat offender could come into play and, if he does get suspended, the guess here is that would definitely be a contributing factor. [Edit: Downie hasn?t been in hot water with the league since March 16, 2010 when he was fined $1,000 for an attempt to injure Sidney Crosby. Not sure if that fine counts as part of the 18-month window a player must stay clean within to avoid said repeat offender status or if that only pertains to suspensions. Will research?]

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/bose/comments/on_downie_and_kunitz_sentences_for_each_your_guess_is_as_good_as_any/

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