They lie.
You can see Whitecloud elevates up into the head, leaving his feet as he does so, after contacting the chest.
What makes a hit illegal? That's the question the NHL sought to clarify in a video posted on Thursday in wake of three controversial checks — two of which led to suspensions.
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The NHL noted that Whitecloud, on the other hand, takes a proper angle and "
does not elevate up excessively or unnecessarily to pick the head as he delivers the check."
Also, the NHL added that it considers the force and predatory nature of the hit, any injuries that may occur as a result of the play and the player's disciplinary history when determining the length of a suspension.