Are we jinxed: Perezhogin suspended indefinitely

[Bob]

Mr. said:

Sure punish Perezhogin for having better/worse luck with his swing of the stick. This is very much in the spirit of the NHL's "nail the retaliator" mentality. If Stafford had been whistled down as soon as he swung at Perezhogin's head there's a good chance events would not have reached the point that they did. The refs blew it and Perezhogin gets pilloried.

I hope Stafford has learned never to swing at another player's head. I'm sure Perezhogin has learned not reply in kind to a coward when he is to be expected to be on his knees behind you.

A tough lesson for both kids, but hopefully one that sticks (irregardless of the likely inappropriate official ruling).

Your comments reflect the sentiments I posted on the Perezhogin poll... always punish the second player. This approach invites disaster.

[Habs_fan_in_LA]

The law differentiates assault and assault with a deadly weapon.

Swinging a stick at a player is different from punching him with a padded glove.

Swinging a stick at a players leg is different from swinging it at his head.

A two handed swing is different from a hook or crosscheck.

What Perezhogen was inexcusable. Vicious two handed swing to the head in anger with a definite intent to injure. It can't be ignored or condoned.

Of course Stafford should be punished and not get off without penalty because he was injured.

I hope Perezhogen comes back, makes the Habs, and leads us to the Cup after serving his punishment, but he should be severely punished for the good of the sport and his own good.

[JFM]

If Craig McTavish could resume his career after vehicular manslaughter, Perezhogin should be able to resume his.