No suspension handed out to Mike Richards after his big hit on David Booth last night. (Neat1325)
The league will not be punishing the Flyers’ captain Mike Richards after a huge hit on David Booth last night.
While the NHL is trying to crack down on hits to the head, it was a perfectly legal hit. Richards’ feet never left the ice, he led with the shoulder, it wasn’t late, and he didn’t hit Booth in the back.
Booth’s injury was unfortunate, but he was released from the hospital this morning with only a concussion so that he could return to Florida. He is expected to be out of the Panthers’ line-up until late December.
NHL VP Colin Campbell was not involved in the decision to not suspend Mike Richards though he is usually in charge of making such calls. Because his son is a forward on the Florida Panthers, the Hockey Ops staff reviewed the hit instead citing Campbell as a possible conflict of interest.
More information on the hit, Booth’s status, and the NHL’s decision.
Booth is okay, Philadelphia fans weren’t given credit for the standing ovation they gave Booth at the Wachovia Center (though many seem to find it shocking that we didn’t boo him for “faking” — so called “expert” ESPN journalists at it again), and the Flyers have their captain for a big home game tonight against the San Jose Sharks.
OTHER NEWS
It seems Holmgren is still kicking the free agency tires. Why? I’m not entirely sure. Many are happy with the currently assembled team. It really can’t get much better on paper.
Either way there are rumors surfacing once again about Brendan Shanahan joining the orange and black.
These are of course not to mention the Peter Forsberg rumors that are just a constant fact of life here in Philadelphia.
Odds are nothing happens.
