[airborne]

Lately concussions and head contact has become an issue for the NHL.

When I look at the names on the list of elite players who have suffered, and are still suffering, from concussions, I have to wonder if there is something that can be done, without making major changes in the game.

And this list is only a small part of the 72 players who have been injured this season alone!

I think if stricter rules and harsher penalties are introduced, the players will ajust and adapt.

This article is heavily excerpted. Click on the link to read it in it's entirety.

[airborne]

Hockey Ping!

(let me know if you want on or off the ping list)

[PGR88]

What's equally amazing to me is how prior to the 80's - we never heard about concussions. And that's when no one wore helmets, either.

RIP to the Sabres' Rick Martin, who passed away yesterday.

[Alberta's Child]

Thanks for the ping, Airborne.

Bryce Salvador of the Devils isn't a top star like most of the other players on that list, but he's been out all season with concussion-related symptoms, too. What made that situation kind of bizarre is that his long-term injury actually helped the team's salary cap situation a lot this year (players on long-term injury reserve aren't counted against the cap).

[Varda]

I hope they make head shots a major penalty and also force suspensions on players who injure others while committing a penalty. I thought they made headshots illegal after the Cooke/Savard incident last year but alas this is the NHL we’re talking about, they only made “intent” suspendable. That left Steckel (cheapshot on Crosby) & Chara (same on Patchieretty) free to injure because apparently they pass the high school popularity test.

I’m one of those who would not morn the loss of fighting and the retirement of the goon culture. Get rid of fighting and add no touch icing and I think the game would be better.

[Varda]

Oh and Crosby skated officially for the first time since early January. OH happy day !!!!!! Get well soon Sid!

[Colonel_Flagg]

Get rid of face shields. Guys go into games feeling like they can’t be hurt. Sticks come up, elbows come up and when a guy gets run, it’s usually by a bigger and stronger player than was doing it thirty years ago.

And then throw the book at violators.

[wastedyears]

John Tavares and Blake Comeau of the NY Islanders have had concussions this current season.

[airborne]

Follow up story ping!

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Analysis: Shero denied headshot ban but not deterred

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_727746.html?source=rss&feed=8