Niklas Hjalmarsson's Hit Sparks Questions

Last night Niklas Hjalmarsson was ejected for his hit on Jason Pominville.

Less than a week into the new NHL season and already NHL disciplinarian has to make room on his schedule for a conference call.

During the first period of the game last night, Hjalmarsson had made an “illegal” hit on Pominville from behind.

Countless fans are going toward that his hit was fully defensible, while others sway more that the hit was in fact illegal.

Without delay after the hit was made there was a scramble around Hjalmarsson started by the Sabres to protect their collapsing teammate.  

Luckily, Pominville only sustained a concussion and an abrasion above his eye that required 7-8 stitches. He was diagnosed in the building without going to a hospital.

As for Hjalmarsson, he was ejected for the hit and the Blackhawks had to suffer killing a five minute major penalty as well.

Taking into account that this is Hjalmarsson’s first offense and it was evidently not intentional, I would judge the ejection for the rest of the game against the Buffalo Sabres and the five minute major was sufficient punishment for the young defenseman.  

Although other fans see things different, I stand by my initial judgment.

This afternoon Hjalmarsson had a conference call with NHL disciplinarian, Colin Campbell.

The ultimate decision for Hjalmarsson and the rest of the Blackhawks fate has been led to the hands on the NHL once again as they were back on April 25, 2010 after Marian Hossa’s hit on former Nashville Predators Daniel Hamhuis.

Hossa’s outcome was quite painless for the Blackhawks in their playoff run with just a 5 minute major boarding call.

This time around, Hjalmarsson was not as fortunate.

It was reported early evening that Hjalmarsson will receive a two-game suspension for his hit on Pominville.

Hjalmarsson stated before the conference call that it was fully unintentional and he feels terrible regarding the outcome of his hit.

Regrettably, for Blackhawks fans and Hjalmarsson himself, that did not change anyone’s mind in the end.

Looks like Sabres will have to wait to seek any revenge on the now targeted defenseman.

Mikal Elyse is a Featured Columnist for bleacherreport.com and co-owner of chicagosportsauthority.com