2010 NHL Playoffs: Raffi Torres Will NOT Be Suspended

TSN is reporting that Vancouver Canucks forward Raffi Torres will not be suspended for his questionable hit on Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook.

Torres, who had just come off a suspension for a similarly dangerous hit, caught Seabrook with what appeared to be a shoulder to the head in Sunday night’s 3-2 Vancouver win over the Hawks.

Seabrook had little chance to protect himself from the Torres hit, as it appears as if he never saw Torres coming.

Despite the Torres hit appearing to fit the bill for a suspension under Rule 48 of the NHL rulebook, NHL Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell chose not to suspend Torres, which should have a number of fans and Vancouver players up in arms this afternoon.

Rule 48 continues to baffle the players, NHL general managers, fans and the media as there seems to be a grey area in determining what constitutes a bad hit and what is acceptable under the rules.

Those who agree with Campbell’s decision not to suspend Torres will say that Seabrook should have protected himself from the Torres hit, but with Seabrook unable to see Torres coming and Torres’ unwillingness to put on the brakes, it would appear as if Seabrook never really had a chance on the play.

Clearly, rule 48 is never going to be black and white, but with so much confusion about the rule and what constitutes an acceptable hit, it appears as if everyone involved needs a detailed review.

Until next time,

Peace!