Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
In a Sunday matinee between the St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals, the physicality was ratcheted up early. After Alex Ovechkin injured Kevin Shattenkirk in a collision, David Backes was sent to the showers in the second period.
The Blues forward boarded Karl Alzner and received a game misconduct after bloodying the defender’s face. It was the type of hit that needs to be eliminated from the game as Backes could clearly see Alzner’s number. The only way to get these hits out of the game is with harder discipline, so Backes needs to be suspended for at least two games.
Backes is not known as a dirty player and has the respect of many around the league. The 20th captain in Blues history is a power forward and not afraid to throw his weight around. His star status is all the more reason for the league to make an example of him. Although Alzner was able to keep playing, the resulting discipline should not change. It is time for the NHL Department of Player Safety to set a consistent standard. If the suspension is more than two games, I will not argue.
Backes has been outspoken before about the state of discipline in the NHL, but he has crossed the line with this hit on Alzner and the NHL must be spurred into action.
There is really no way to justify the hit. It was dangerous and careless. Alzner is lucky to make it back on the ice, but Backes should have to wait to lace up the skates again. If the NHL wants to get rid of these hits, this is another chance to make a statement. The Blues have three games this week, and Backes should miss at least two.
Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
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