Kneeing penalties

[cch 0]

I don't know if anyone else saw this but here is what happened; second year Bruins defense man Mark Stuart was given a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for a knee on knee hit on Kovalchuk. It was very clear that Stuart did not move his leg that connected with Kovalchuk's knee in any way and the real reason for the knee on knee contact was due to Kovalchuk's attempt to deke around Stuart with a cut to the right. Now the point I raise is that most knee on knee contact results from plays just like that- the offense player attempts to maneuver around the defensive player but they do not have enough time and space to get fully around them and as a result of the offensive players actions knees collide. What can be done about this? First-More communication between refs + linesmen (I mean look at football every penalty requires a conference). Second- should the offensive player be given a penalty if it is determined they are at fault? My guess, not in a league is striving for more offensive, but if there was proper discussion I don't see why not as the defensive player is at just as much risk to be injured as the offensive player. Lastly, does the prominence of the player come into play? Not always but I would say in this case it was absolutely at least an issue. This has been aggravating me for a while and after seeing todays incident I would like to see what other people think.

[sjsharks11 0]

I saw it and I think the only reason that a penalty was given was that Kovy stayed down on the ice after. If he had just lifted his leg after the contact with Stuart and kept skating everything would have been fine. It obviously wasn't that bad of a hit because he got up by himself and didn't even go to the locker room. Stuart did nothing to try and injure him, which I believe was what he got the penalty for.

[Chadd 916]

Stuart was dragging his leg to make that play. Is he the Stuart with the history of doing it, or is it the other guy?

[chippa13 1844]

Stuart was dragging his leg to make that play. Is he the Stuart with the history of doing it, or is it the other guy?

Not sure how much history this kid could have. It is only his second season.

When I saw the replay it looked like he was fully planted for the hit and Kovalchuk cut back into his knee. Not a 5 plus gate offense in my opinion.

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

Stuart was dragging his leg to make that play. Is he the Stuart with the history of doing it, or is it the other guy?

Sutton perhaps?

[AnthonyJTa 0]

It obviously wasn't that bad of a hit because he got up by himself and didn't even go to the locker room.

Kovalchuk's dramatics after the hit def. influenced that penalty. Rolling around a bit, hobbling down the hallway..... then he's on the ice 40 seconds later.

[Chadd 916]

Stuart was dragging his leg to make that play. Is he the Stuart with the history of doing it, or is it the other guy?

Sutton perhaps?

I was thinking of Brad, not Mark

[tips09 0]

I saw it and I think the only reason that a penalty was given was that Kovy stayed down on the ice after. If he had just lifted his leg after the contact with Stuart and kept skating everything would have been fine. It obviously wasn't that bad of a hit because he got up by himself and didn't even go to the locker room. Stuart did nothing to try and injure him, which I believe was what he got the penalty for.

I agree im just wondering if it was any Flyer player if they would even call a penalty