NHL Playoffs 2012: Marian Hossa Stretchered off Ice After Being Hit by Torres

Brendan Shanahan needs to make his next decision very carefully because if he fails to properly discipline Raffi Torres, he could lose the little bit of credibility he has left.

Update: 10:09 PM 

"

TSN reports the ambulance carrying Hossa to a Chicago hospital received a police escort. (@saraorlesky)

— SeanFitz_Gerald (@SeanFitz_Gerald) April 18, 2012"

Here is the hit in question.

During the Chicago Blackhawks' game against the Phoenix Coyotes, Raffi Torres dropped Marian Hossa with a hellacious hit. Torres not only jumped and targeted the head of Hossa but also sent him off the ice on a stretcher.

Hossa didn't have the puck and was absolutely clobbered by Torres. There was no penalty called, and fans around the world are absolutely dumbfounded.

Here is how Twitter reacted.

"

Rafi Torres hit on Hossa is sickening. Predatory, mindless. And to think they will be lockout brothers next fall. Money? Sure. Health? No

— John Buccigross (@Buccigross) April 18, 2012"

"

Raffi Torres takes a shot at Hossa, who is down on the ice being attended to. 8:09 left in the 1st. #PhxChi

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) April 18, 2012"

"

I'm kidding myself if I say I understand the way hits have been called in these playoffs. Torres on Hossa brings stretcher, but he's on ice

— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) April 18, 2012"

"

Shanahan CANNOT get Torres punishment wrong.

— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) April 18, 2012"

"

Regardless of Torres ban, refs/linesmen should be removed from playoffs. Also need statement from Bettman or Daly about solution to control

— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) April 18, 2012"

"

Watching Hawks on Gamecenter live. Shot of Toews just shaking his head says it all.

— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) April 18, 2012"

"

Ugh. Just hope Marian Hossa is okay, beyond hockey.

— Jesse Spector (@jessespector) April 18, 2012"

"

Hossa lifeless for a good five minutes. Torres back on the ice. Toews reaction post-hit says it all. Dirty, dirty hit. #TSN

— Alyonka Larionov (@AlyonkaLarionov) April 18, 2012"

Torres jumped into a hit on Marian Hossa and rocked him right in the jaw, and he dropped to the ice. Hossa did not leave under his own power and was carted off on a stretcher. There was no penalty on the play, but this was a nasty hit that needs to be made an example of.

At this point all fans can do is hope that Marian Hossa is OK because it didn't look good from ice-side.