News Article: James Neal Suspended 5 Games for Kneeing Brad Marchand

[Fossy21]

Who gives a **** about injuries in these situations? That should have no bearing on the suspension length whatsoever. If Orpik isn't injured, and Marchand is, Thorty gets 2 games (not saying he should've, but that's what would've happened) and Neal gets 20. They viewed it as intentional (even without mentioning how he goes to the bench without giving a single ****). What's more barbaric than kneeing a guy to the head intentionally? How can you say that he doesn't want to injure someone? That's like saying someone shooting towards someone had no intention to kill them (though I suppose kneeing someone in the head is more likely to injure them somehow than shooting someone is to kill them). If Orpik's hit was more clearly interference, it would've been viewed as more malicious than Neal's, because Marchand wasn't injured. That's ridiculous.

Then again, I knew he'd get maximum 5 games, so I'm mildly happy he at least got the maximum (especially since he's a "star" and that obviously plays a part).

Also, before the hearing, people mentioned the refs calling it a 2 minute minor being a factor. How does refs ****ing up excuse a dangerous play? Should make it worse, if anything, since you're going out of the way to hide it from them, meaning they're likely to miss it altogether - trying to hide evidence, so to speak.

Plus Neal outright lied right after the game instead of fessing up. You knee someone in the head, obviously intentionally, and then say "I didn't see the guy, but I guess I could've done more to avoid him", that should add 2 games to your suspension.

 

[Blackbear]

Good. I also want Cindy to get two for that trip.

It did have the look of a coordinated play, like two high school bullies but I suspect it was two independent events, one a cowardly cheap shot (Crosby) and one psychopathic assault (Neal).

 

[EverettMike]

Here is how you know that NHL punishment is a joke.

Neal was alerted pretty quickly that he had a phone hearing for the incident. Right after the game if I remember correctly.

So how does Shanahan and the NHL know that the suspension is already not worthy of 6. How can they immediately make that determination? If it was worthy of 5 isn't it possible it was worthy of 6, 7, maybe even 8?

I get that some suspensions immediately scream out 1 or 2 games. But if it isn't like was the case here, why not have an in-person hearing? Why immediately limit the suspension? It isn't like an in-person hearing guarantees the penalty will be more than 5.

I just don't get it.

 

[Fossy21]

Here is how you know that NHL punishment is a joke.

Neal was alerted pretty quickly that he had a phone hearing for the incident. Right after the game if I remember correctly.

So how does Shanahan and the NHL know that the suspension is already not worthy of 6. How can they immediately make that determination? If it was worthy of 5 isn't it possible it was worthy of 6, 7, maybe even 8?

I get that some suspensions immediately scream out 1 or 2 games. But if it isn't like was the case here, why not have an in-person hearing? Why immediately limit the suspension? It isn't like an in-person hearing guarantees the penalty will be more than 5.

I just don't get it.

I guess they thought it wasn't intentional. Then when they looked at it again, they went "Oh ****, we dun screwed up, thought this would've been 1-2 games... Now we'll have to give him 5 games and pretend like we knew this was the case from the beginning".

 

[BklyNBruiN]

Should of been more than 5 as he intentionally targeted Marchand's head. Ill take it tho. I have a feeling Thorts will get 7-10 or so games.

 

[qc]

Here is how you know that NHL punishment is a joke.

Neal was alerted pretty quickly that he had a phone hearing for the incident. Right after the game if I remember correctly.

So how does Shanahan and the NHL know that the suspension is already not worthy of 6. How can they immediately make that determination? If it was worthy of 5 isn't it possible it was worthy of 6, 7, maybe even 8?

I get that some suspensions immediately scream out 1 or 2 games. But if it isn't like was the case here, why not have an in-person hearing? Why immediately limit the suspension? It isn't like an in-person hearing guarantees the penalty will be more than 5.

I just don't get it.

Yeah this dawned on me too. The only possibility I can imagine (and as much as I disagree with it) is that if Marshy left the game with an injury, it would've been an in-person. Either that, or he legitimately has a wheel of justice.

 

[Cid]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but the Pen's management were pretty upset with Neal's lack of accountability in post game interviews.

https://twitter.com/IanAltenbaugh/st...44999309729792

 

[BklyNBruiN]

This league is becoming more and more a joke. The refs need to stay as consistent as possible. Even if they have to stop play and review a play.. Typing with one hand sucks!!!!!!!

 

[SerenityRick]

For a league saying they are trying desperately to get headshots out of a game, 5 games seems to be pretty ****ing weak. Especially after that explanation.. Shanahan even points out that he is staring at Marchand the whole time and adjusts his left leg accordingly to nail him in the head.

Throw the ****ing book at that loser.

Thornton, on the other hand, couldn't have expected Orpik would lose consciousness from a couple gloved love taps to the helmet. It's not like Thornton jumped him because he's a talentless goon.. Refs didn't take care of their end and Orpik or Neal didn't answer the bell.
Call me bloodthirsty but the more this goes on, the more I'm totally okay with what Thornton did.

 

[dtam83]

More than I thought he would get but a deserved 5 for sure. Obviously Marchand wasn't hurt so the suspension maxed at 5. If Marchand leaves with a concussion he ends up with an in-person hearing. That said I tink Thornton is in for a long one. My guess 15-20. Maybe 12 for being a 1st timer but I don't think. NHL will make an example of Thornton like they did Scott. They don't mind handing them out to enforcers...

max is 5 for a phone hearing.

I just think the suspension system in the NHL is weak. The hammer needs to drop on some of these guys for anything to change

 

[Gee Wally]

The league expends more energy over pucks over the glass or sweaters being tucked in.

I'm disgusted.

 

[whatsbruin]

someone posted this tweet on the main board. Not sure who this is but would be interesting for sure.


Ian Altenbaugh‏@IanAltenbaugh
Neal's lack of own accountability postgame irked Pens management. Maybe more discipline to follow internally.

I heard Pens Mgmt is taking his binky away.

 

[EverettMike]

Color me skeptical about Pens management disciplining Neal.

 

[ksp1957]

Color me skeptical about Pens management disciplining Neal.

Come on EM. They'll suspend him from practicing with the team for the next 5 games.

 

[Mione134]

At least its not 2. Should be longer cause ya know he clearly intended to knee him in the head!

But alas. Better than nothing.

 

[BklyNBruiN]

Even the NFL is going through changes about low/high hits/tackles and the injuries they cause. I am so upset that Rob Gronkowski was hit dead on his knees. Anyway The NHL needs to make there Refs call games more consistently. I'll be happy if they do that.

 

[BklyNBruiN]

What Neil did in my opinion is far worse than what Thorty did. It was malicious and his intent to injure and hurt Marchand. Anyway back to work.

 

[The Special K]

James Neal.....

 

[Taz#24]

Respect to Pens Management

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but the Pen's management were pretty upset with Neal's lack of accountability in post game interviews.

https://twitter.com/IanAltenbaugh/st...44999309729792

This is great to see, this is leadership, this is how things change.

 

[qc]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but the Pen's management were pretty upset with Neal's lack of accountability in post game interviews.

https://twitter.com/IanAltenbaugh/st...44999309729792

If this turns out to be anything more than just an empty gesture, I'll be pleased... albeit surprised.

 

[Taz#24]

Respect to Pens Management

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but the Pen's management were pretty upset with Neal's lack of accountability in post game interviews.

https://twitter.com/IanAltenbaugh/st...44999309729792

This is great to see, this is leadership, this is how things change.

 

[Alan Ryan]

That's great he got 5, I'll be fine when Phaneuf gets his two, and Thornton his 10. What I'd really like though is this crap out of the game.

Exactly Dave. Keep the suspensions coming until this crap is out of the game.

5 games for Neal is a step in the right direction. Ratchet the suspensions up until it hurts--get them out of the line-up and hurt them in the wallet, including Bruins players when they screw up.

 

[Flames7676]

I think 5 is reasonable and more than I expected since the NHL just LOVES the Pens at first I was thinking it would be 2.

Thornton should get no more than 10. If Orpik wasn't such a puss he would have fought Thornton and took what he deserved earlier. You can't injure a star like Eriksson and expect to get off easy for the game.

 

[DaveFromNB]

Who gives a **** about injuries in these situations? That should have no bearing on the suspension length whatsoever.

Actually I'd love to see a suspension tied into the related injury time off. Say 5 games suspended and a conditional up to 5 more if the injured player doesn't return in that time.

 

[Fossy21]

Actually I'd love to see a suspension tied into the related injury time off. Say 5 games suspended and a conditional up to 5 more if the injured player doesn't return in that time.

As long as there being no injury isn't still being used to diminish the magnitude of malicious actions. You knee or two-handed slash a person in the head, or you butt-end/spear someone in the groin, it shouldn't necessarily be considered less serious than a borderline hit that results in a concussion because the guy hit his head in the ice just because the other person played next period.