Canucks' Rome suspended for rest of Cup finals

The NHL has taken action after a nasty hit knocked a Boston Bruin out of the Stanley Cup Finals. But it was the Canucks who looked dazed and confused last night after losing eight to one, bringing the series to two to one for the Canucks.

CTV Toronto: Have nasty hits tarnished the game?

After speaking with hockey fans from around Toronto, Tom Hayes reports on the debate over headshots.

CTV News Channel: Merella Fernandez explains

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Aaron Rome has been suspended for the remainder of the Stanley Cup finals after hitting Bruins forward Nathan Horton. Horton sustained a severe concussion, but was able to move his arms and legs after the blow.

CTV National News: Sarah Galashan on the loss

Sarah Galashan discusses the Canucks' loss and explains the reaction from fans in Vancouver.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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Boston Bruins right wing Nathan Horton lies on the ice after being checked to the ice by Vancouver Canucks' Aaron Rome during the first period in Game 3 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals in Boston, Monday, June 6, 2011. (AP / Charles Krupa)

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Tue. Jun. 7 2011 10:37 PM ET

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Aaron Rome has been suspended four games for his late hit that left Boston Bruins forward Nathan Horton with a severe concussion.

"Two factors were considered in reaching this decision," NHL senior vice-president of hockey operations Mike Murphy said.

"The hit by Rome was clearly beyond what is acceptable in terms of how late it was delivered after Horton had released the puck and it caused a significant injury."

Horton will miss the rest of the Stanley Cup finals, his team announced Tuesday.

Horton was carried off the ice on a stretcher and sent to hospital in the first period of Game 3 on Monday night. Boston won 8-1.

Rome was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the hit, in which he lowered his shoulder into an unsuspecting Horton nearly a second after the Bruins forward passed off the puck in the neutral zone.

The four-game suspension is the sternest-ever to be handed out in a Stanley Cup final series.

Horton remained in hospital overnight and was reportedly knocked unconscious by the hit. The team said he was alert and moving all extremities.

Horton, an offensive leader for the Bruins who scored winning goals in two Game 7 wins this year, was released from hospital Tuesday.

"We have to deal with it and we have to find a way to rally around it," said Boston forward Milan Lucic. "I think everyone needs to step up and do a little bit more."

The Canucks, however, thought the suspension was overly harsh. Coach Alain Vigneault said that the penalty was "not the right call" and his players agreed.

"We totally disagree (with the suspension)," said star Canucks forward Daniel Sedin. "We support Rome. He's a hard-working guy. He has no intention to hurt anyone out there."

Still, much attention has been placed on blindside hits to the head in the NHL in the last few seasons, following a rash of concussions to prominent players. The league agreed to implement a new penalty for blindside hits this season.

Game 4 of the series is scheduled for Wednesday night in Boston. Vancouver leads the series 2-1.

Horton was Boston's second-leading scorer in the playoffs with 17 points. His goal was the lone marker in Boston's 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals.

But the suspension could mark a change in the NHL's culture. Recently, Colin Campbell left his job as chief NHL disciplinarian after 14 years, and he will be replaced by former player Brendan Shanahan next year.

Comments are now closed for this story

The Ref
said
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Nathan Horton is a strong Ontario-born player. He'll pull through just fine. Best wishes to a quick, and full recovery Nathan!

Patel
said
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I'm not agree with NHL decision for suspending Aaron Rome for rest of the games (especially in Stanlycup final). How come Zdeno Chara is not even suspended for 2 mins of penalty when he got hit on Max Pacioretty from Montreal Canadiens. What �sup with that? NHL community is just freaking joke. They will not do anything until someone gets died on the ice. NHL mad hockey a big joke now days.

Matthew
said
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I took harder hits in my High school league. I don't remember a single suspension in the entire league. But then again, people were tough back then. It rains these days and people get emotional.

Matthew
said
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I walk out into the middle of the road looking the opposite way of oncoming traffic, the car breaks 'late' and hits me. Who's at fault? More the reason why I no longer watch hockey. You don't wanna get concussions or hurt. Here's an idea, don't make a career out of a sport that requires you wear head to toe full contact gear. (It reminds me of someone allergic to peanut butter ordering a peanut butter cookie and upset he had a reaction). Its rather hypocritical to hail past legends, as the great players, when in their time full contact meant full contact. Might as well usher in flag hockey Bettman.

Betteman MUST GO!
said
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Rome gets a 4 game suspension!? YEAH, and how much does Betteman get for double standards for Chara's hit on Pacorietty??? This man needs to be replaced... PRONTO! Deiinetly bad for the game

daniel from toronto
said
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@Geoffrey, if you followed the nhl or sports you would realize that Colin Campbell stepped down from his duties as NHL Disciplinary Relations and Brendan Shanahan took over last week. In noway did Colin Campbell have a say in a matter where his son's team come into play. sheesh whats with you hab fans always crying foul when something doesnt go your way... boohoo.

Shaun from Niagara
said
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Boston's always been my team since I was a kid, despite being a Canadian. Why? The great Bobby Orr came up through the Oshawa Generals. My wife is cheering for the Canucks this year. She wasn't impressed when I pointed out the Bruins have 18 Canadians on their team and Canucks only have 11, lol.Go Boston!

worried parent
said
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Enough with the stupid head hits! Play Hockey ! What type of example are you setting for the kids who admire you..? Seriously, is winning the cup that important that seriosuly injuring someone else over rules the game ethics...?

George in Calgary
said
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I have not read all the comments but assume that some are for the suspension and some against. For those against then you are as much a goon as the Canuck player. Goons do not have a place in real professional hockey. If this is why people watch hockey then the organizers are also in the goon catagory. These types of hits have been the subject of many studies etc and found not particularly healthy. For the owners and commissioners of the league understand that blood and a man's health do not equate. The former is strictly a money thing because they have mentally conditioned the "fans" that this is what they want. The "fans" are, I suppose, weak minded souls that have a hard time thinking for themselves. The latter however produces much better hockey and true hockey icons for our young people.

daniel from toronto
said
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despicable how some of you say it was to harsh a penalty. Rome is a 4th liner! Horton was boston's leading scorer! how in the hell can you replace that.... clearly a cheapshot elbow directly to the head. This is what the nhl should be cracking down on.

get real
said
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Can't compare the two Vic, the hit by Chara wasn't intentional.

Vic
said
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Not making light of what happened to Horton, it seems to me that all things are not equal, eh? Chara's punishment was what exactly on the hit on Max Pacioretty ( and he had a broken neck on top of a concussion)? Got tossed out of the game early? Big deal! Maybe the league should be handing out punishment equally and not based on who plays for what team.

Anthony
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Players playing in NHL are like modern times gladiators. It is nice to see, that there are still some, who play hockey as it should be played, but unfortunately there are also those, primarily with lesser skills, who prefer injuring others. Being a recreational player myself, the latter I have no use for !

Reverse Psychology Maybe?
said
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Here's a not too crazy thought... NO HELMETS!!! Watch the hits REALLY tone down because nobody wants to get head injuries... NOBODY!!!

neechikindaguy
said
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The hit was awesome, not a late hit at all. It's unfortunate he got hurt but it was an awesome hit.

Fred Williams
said
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I am cheering modestly for the Canuks because they are a Canadian team, but the players come from all over since the draft anyway, and what does it really mean after all. We are becoming more and more like the ancient Romans and these people are our gladiators. Can we really turn down the violence if we wanted to, or is it a natural consequence once the Bread and Circuses start? I usually don't watch hockey and I think I'll go back to that.

Habs Fan (Montreal, PQ)
said
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how does it feel Boston?

Cynical
said
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Typical of the "win at any cost mentality": if you can't win fairly, disable the opposition. Some sport! They say power corrupts: the same applies to money, and this is a prime example of how the prospect of cup-winner bonuses demeans what COULD be a good sport. However, as long as huge amounts of money are at stake, don't expect better. What will be next: actual killings?

Hypocritical
said
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Anybody wanna do a review of Chara's hit earlier in the season????

Dor
said
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Nice to have a utility no namer take out one of Boston's top players. Wonder if it was a planned event...I hope to see Thornton look for Kesler in the next game for retribution.Go Boston Go!

Ronton
said
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I've been cheering for Vancouver for this whole series, but I think Rome 100% deserved to be out. Not only was this specific hit really bad and stupid, but he's been in the penalty box for 19 minutes in the last 2 games. Vancouver's been a man down for the equivalent of a period just because of this hothead, and I'm so glad he's out.

BA in The 'Peg
said
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As my pappy continues to say, the best way to get rid of this type of violence in hockey (NHL) is to create a rule that if you are found to have intentionally tried to injure another player, you would be suspended as long as that player is not able to play. If he was out for the rest of his career, then so would you be. You don't think that would put an end to that??!!

Rob Calgary
said
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Should be suspended for next year too. I remeber Don Cherry years ago taking about all these helmets and protection and turning them into gladiators and the cheap shots would get worse. Well he was right maybe get rid of helmets and then maybe these players will start to respect each other. We never saw this crap years ago, ever since Bettman stepped in its gotten worse. American style hockey!

LeafsFan
said
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It was interference, not charging or blindside hit. It was not malicious or intent to injure. Sometimes, part of the game "just happens". Rest of the series suspension is too severe for the penalty. NHL decision is emotional not logical.

rosie
said
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There are hits and actions by players that need to be taken out of the game.Rome's hit on Horton is one of them.Checking is allowed to separate the player from the puck.If you have the guy lined up and he passes the puck off,you have to ease up or let up on the hit.In retrospect,scott stevens should have been suspended for some of his hits,as well as Chara.BTW,Chara doesn't look like he's helping the bruins as much as hurting them with his crappy play.Suspend him now for the hit on Pacioretty and the bruins will win.

Unimpressed in Ottawa
said
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Rome is a low skill player, Horton is a high skill player. The 4 game suspension doesn't signify a new intolerance, it was a business decision.

chris
said
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All you Don Cherry wanna-be's need a good shot in the head yourselves and maybe you will appreciate what has happened to Horton. We preach in this country how non-violent we are and yet so many find this acceptable. What a shame.......

same again:Hamilton
said
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Just when it looked like the tone of the NHL finals was going to get by without a mixed marial arts exhibition in it, along comes the Rome hit . . . disgusting, but that now is the nature of the game. Will Sid the kid ever be back? Who knows? Bettman has had his way; fill your arenas by promising intentional hits and fights, (basically criminal acts in sheep's clothing), and listen to those crowds roar. And oh yes, there is also a hockey game. The NHL has to get its act together before someone endures those brutal hits, and never gets up again. Where has the game of hockey gone, anyway? It is blood money in the mostly American owners' pockets, that''s where.

MikefromQuebec
said
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C'mon, they put Scott Stevens in the HHOF for making hits exactly like that with, in many cases, the exact same result. Talk about knee jerk reactions. The ice caused the guy to be knocked out, not the shoulder, it could have happened to anyone and on any hit, clean or otherwise. Maybe we should just ban hockey for men and have a women's league.

MuskyBuck
said
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Could have called it charging as well. Not a Boston fan but I am an athlete and I hate seeing stuff like this, I really do....Change the 'finish the check' mentality and most of this will be gone....make sure that hits above the shoulders are not tolerated in any sense and this will be a thing of the past as well...I hope the guy isn't hurt bad....and I hope Rome learns that winning a Stanley Cup or anything else isn't worth killing your opponent.

craving for sports
said
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Canada should have learned how to play hockey after they blew the first game to the USSR in Montreal back in 1972. Hockey? In Canada it's a sport where you stand at centre ice, take off your cloths and beat the shit out of anyone standing near you.The Vancouver team is an excellent example why we have not followed hockey for 40 years.

Edmontonian
said
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Life would be so much sweeter after the NUCKS loose. Rome would be a permanent on their farm team....

Geoffrey
said
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...and yet there was no punishment handed out for the Chara hit on Pacioretty...keep leaning the ice in Gregory's way Colin.

Ken
said
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Wow, taken one of your opponent's team player out and 4 games. Why dont you just fine and suspend the player and also the Nucks organization as well. The Rome guy is a call up from farm team. He isnt at NHL level yet...come on..

Deborah in Montreal
said
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What have we got going on here - European Soccer League corruption? Different rules for different players on different teams. No suspension for Chara? Well then there should be no suspension for Rome. I hope the Bruins get their hats handed to them by the Canucks.

aPAThetic in NS
said
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I'm wondering how many comments of the I'm-glad-he-was-suspended-cuz-he-deserves-it category come from Bruins fans...and how many what-an-unfair-decision-hockey-is-about-physical-roughness comments come from Canucks fans.

Cheryl in Ottawa
said
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It didn't look any worse to me, then when Chara ran that Montreal players head into a post; kept his hand on the back of the players head guiding it until contact was made, just to make sure he didn't miss I quess. GO CANUCKS!!!!

Gerald
said
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Good thing he's out for the season. He'd probably spend most of his ice time on his back anyway.

Eric (NH)
said
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I have two Nephews that have played Hockey since the could walk, in NH and MA. The Fighting (or Assaults as I like to reference them)and the checking is really not part of the sport. I have been to countless games from Mights to Pros and have never understood the level of right out violence that takes place. Now my Nephews are playing H.S. Hockey and the rules have really tamed the game. You have to play the sport now, not go on the Ice and be a goon. The fact is, if you are head hunting like this guy did you are not on the puck, there for you are no help to your team you end up suspended or in the box. Stupid Hockey is what we call that in our family. He deserves what he got. Go Bruins!

Jim
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Rome had aleady started his move towards Horton and with Horton moving a full speed , Rome could not miss him even if he tried, both sides have been hit early ,late and the referees let most hits go , there was no intent to injure anyone hockey is fast and if you don,t keep your head moving to see where everyone is than accidents like this happen.

Terry
said
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Bettman must be happy the Canadian player is off now, he is so prejudiced. I wonder now if the bruins will retaliate. Anyway I am sick of hockey, there shouldnt be any in June, its way too long, make the palyoffs the best of 5. I dont care who wins now, as I've never seen so many rules change depending on the team affected. Bettman needs replaceing.

CheeringForNietherTeamNowInOntario
said
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Saw an interview with Boychuck's parents on how they were harassed, insulted and degraded in Vancouver for wearing a Bruins shirt. Mrs. B never wants to retun. Nice Vancouver, Nice ! Your a class city for sure. Not. As for the "hit" and the series in general......The TV is going off.

Joe
said
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All of you cry baby fans (along with the NHL) that get up in arms every time someone throws a solid body check are going to hockey forever. Remember this is hockey......not titillywinks!!!!!!These solid body checks weren't happening back in the 50s, 60s and 70s when players actually played without helmets?

Alan
said
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If the NHL was really serious, he would be out at least twice whatever Horton is out. Horton misses 20 games, then Rome misses 40 games. Unless there is some level of civility and respect for opponents in the game, this will only escalate. When will it stop? Someone will have to die right there on the ice and maybe it will have a chance. Until then, it will keep happening, both in the NHL and with our kids.

Doug
said
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The suspension is justice for this over-rated goon squad. Anybody can see that there is a different set of rules for this team . Kesler constantly runs the goalie but of course he talks to the officials so it is okay. What about Torres head-hunting, and LaPierre's unsportsmanlike taunting. The Sedins have their own routine. You tap someone with the stick,( Swedes don't fight, of courrse;) then when they push back you flop on the ice like a stuck pig and look at the referee. It takes more than skating and passing skills to make a champion. You also need some class, which is why this is not Canada's team.

GoCanucks
said
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Let's face it, we've seen far worse than that with much of a penalty. Face it, Bettam and his All American cronies don't want the cup to come back to Canada. I'm keeping my hopes high, but you can bet if they can stop the Canucks from taking the cup they will. Watch the ref's from here on in. They will make it as easy as possible for Boston and next to impossible for the Canucks. Americans want to win at any cost. Any cost.

Craig from NS
said
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For those of you comparing this to the Chara hit ... from three months ago ... times have changed. The league is finally giving out stiff penalties for head shots. You can thank the Chara hit for the ball to get rolling. It should have been done long ago. This is Rome's second suspension of the playoffs and the penalty for his lack of sense has grown.

Bob
said
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Hockey would be a better game without this extreme violence. Rome should be banned from hockey permanently ! This may just have been the push the Bruins needed to win the cup..

Ted W
said
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Don't know much about the rules but the four games instead of the 1-2 bantered about last night does seem a little bit much (especially for the conspiracy theory crowd) and maybe a little bit suspicious.But the post from John Fuller about this and his most logical solution plan for the rest of the series makes the most sense to me. I just don't understand why the reaction to his post is equally divided.I hope the Canucks rest, regroup and rebound because I truly don't think Vancouver can handle another 17 year drought ...

Kate
said
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Ridiculous! Horton should have had his head up. If you can't take the heat/hit, stay off the ice.

Mess
said
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Keep your head up is only relevant Bonnie, when you have possession of the puck.Rome's hit was late, and it was meant to hurt.Every time Raffi Torres hits, it's also to hurt.One day he will get his.

Ben
said
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That's why I don't watch hockey anymore. I prefer the discovery channel. Maybe hockey should be named..."The Untamed World".

Lisa - Ottawa
said
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Bad hit so suspension is the right thing to do. Hockey players out there: I don't care what team you play for stop doing these bad hits. Everyone likes a fair fight, or a good hit, but the fans don't like dirty hockey. These hits are what the sport is not about. Chara, that goes for you too.

Bill - Cambridge ON
said
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Comparing Rome's hit to that of Chara's shows you no nothing about what took place. Please do yourself a favour and do not comment on situations you do not understand. I understand Oprah is in rerun. Go thee forth now and watch.

Gisabun
said
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I don't think Rome was aiming at him. He obviously knows that hitting Horton after Horton shoots the puck is a no-no. Even the article says that a second after he shot the puck, he was hit. In the game of hocket, that is fast.So how did Chara escape any real suspension while Rome didn't? If anything it was longer than a second when Paciorety [sic] passed the puck.Maybe Murphy [and his boss Bettman] still don't like Canadian teams. Think of hit: Hab hit by Bruin - nothing happens. Canuck hits a Bruin - suspension.

Tom Kain
said
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Keep your head UP and this is a non issue. Horton clearly forgot to watch where he was and where he was headed. Cardinal mistake. He is supposed to be professional. This was not a late hit, this was a professional hockey player not doing his job. Bad Call. Unfair suspension.

hockey fan
said
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"very disapointed in bruins goalie . hitting the sedin twin should have been a penalty."That is by far the most ridiculous comment ever posted. Sedin and Thomas had the puck between them, and Thomas was on the crease boundary, when he made the hit.

toddy
said
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Well haven't watched a hockey game in years ,don't know why I watched this one .the game was good till the hit .second period after the second gold just became a slash and grab game .So I shut off the T V and this morning I see Horton out for the rest of the playoffs Rome out also .Now I know why I don't watch Hockey .I'll wait for the next 10 years to see an other game .I'd sooner go to the rink and see the peewee players better Entertainment in my book .kids know why they play our sport of hockey ....fun.

Martin
said
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I am a Canadian die hard fan also rooting for my canadian hockey team Montreal when they were playing and of course Vancouver Canucks. I praise them all for their hard work playing the sport they love. I wish Horton well but the suspension of Rome was not warranted and if that be the case NHL should have suspended Chara for the very ugly and dirty hit he did to Pacioretty! I agree something is absolutly not right there is double standard here which is so hypocritical of Boston. Vancouver Canucks deserve to WIN, WIN the Stanley Cup!!! what goes around comes around and they seem obviously on the receiving end now. All in light of this NHL needs to set a tone for all teams to be treated equal make the right calls reff's. Canucks bring the Cup Home....

Carl
said
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In terms of form, it was one of the cleanest, most proper shoulder checks I have seen in a long time. However, it happened too long after Horton had released the puck. Rome had plenty of time to realize that the play had moved on. He should not have finished the check in this case.

John
said
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It's amazing how upset the Bruin"s and their fans are with this hit, but when Chara slammed the Canadien player Pacioretty into the glass and broke his neck, it was a different story. You can't tell me that Chara should not have been suspended!!. I hope Horton is going to be OK, but let's be consistent with the punishment!! What a joke!!!

Judy in B.C.
said
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this is absolute nonsense, suspending Rome for a hockey check. Horton should have kept his head up as any player knows. It is unfortunate that he got hurt but alot of it was his own fault. Rome should be allowed to finish in the Stanley cup games. This is pure bad judgement on the part of the NHL. It was even stated on T.V. at the game last night that it was a normal check.

The NHL wants the cup in America
said
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No question it was a dirty hit and the on ice official made the right call but it should have stopped there. Bettman is under a lot of pressure because a Canadian team wasn't supposed to make it to the final. The sole motivation of the league is to deprive Vancouver of one of their key defensive players and make it harder for the Canucks to win the cup. This kind of politicking and gerrymandering is what puts the NHL on the same level as the WWE.

Dwight-Moose Jaw
said
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What the hell ever happened to the sport called "HOCKEY" ?????????Late hit, you bet your sweet a-- it was.GO-GETTEM-BRUINS" !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Terry
said
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How can Canadian fans try & compare this hit to Chara's hit on Patches? The point of contact with the Chara hit was not the head & it was not from the blindside. Compare this hit to Danielle Paille's hit on Raymond Sawada. Both hit's were solid shoulder checks, but the point of contact was the head. Paille received a 4 game suspension for doing the same thing Rome did, which shows consistancy in the front office, not hypocrisy.And why are Cannucks fans crying? They took out Boston's leading scorer in exchange for a 6th defenseman. That's a tradeoff they'd take anyday. It will be fun watching Thornton absolutely paste everyone in white on Wednesday. Didn't your mom'sa ever teach you "don't poke the bear?"

Bonnie
said
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I think it is horrible to suspend Rome for the remainder of the playoffs. It is also unfortunate that Horton has a concussion. However..he made a terrible mistake..he wasn't looking, which is a fundamental rule of Hockey...I wonder how many times over the course of his pro and non-pro hockey life did he hear "Keep your head up" from coaches and fellow players??? Rome did his job..he played the man ..with the puck..BOOOOO Gary Betman ......

Don
said
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Somehow Rome's suspension doesn't seem quite fair. I agree that perhaps the hit was a bit "over the top", but how come Chara didn't get a suspension like this when he almost broke Pacioretty's neck by slamming his head into a post? Chara's a goon and he should have been suspended BIG time for that.

Derek
said
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Admiring the pass? Perhaps he was paying attention to the game at hand, and following the puck, to ensure the pass was complete and that he could enter the zone? What crap some of you so called fans can grasp at to justify a man laying on the ice obviously concussed! I am all for a high paced, and physical NHL, but no-one can call that a "clean" hit in good conscience. 1)he hit a man who did not have the puck, 2) he hit him on the blind-side, 3) he dropped his shoulder, and 4) he left his skates. How can you call yourself a fan if you think players being carried off on stretchers is good for the game! This isn't Aaron Rome's first major penalty this postseason. He deserved what he got.

Mr. G
said
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Basing the penalty assessed on the resulting injury as opposed to the incident itself is ridiculous. I think I just gave up on hockey. It seems suspicious considering the obvious similarity to Chara's late hit that resulted in an extended hospital stay and yet no suspension for that "unfortunate accident". The hit was good if a fraction of a second late. Maybe the helmet manufacturer should be the target since it would appear it was his head hitting the ice that knocked him out.

Harry
said
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To those who say that Horton was admiring his pass I say...you should really have tried playing hockey...you may have even enjoyed it. Horton was in no way admiring his pass. He had passed the puck to his winger long before he got hit. He was looking towards this player for either a return pass or some other offensive play. You can't make plays if your not watching the puck. Not admiring..no way...the hit was too late for that.

Pops from Winnipeg
said
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Too bad Horton got hurt by a clean, but poorly timed , hit. I hope he has a full recovery. My questions are:- Has anyone asked the referees if they feel they called a good game?- When did Chara turn into a 6' 9" crossing checking, slashing, elbowing, goon? Have the Bruins turned him into one of their "bully" players?- Would a taunting penalty (or some bright red nail polish) stop the finger in the mouth crap?- Are there any parents/grandparents who want to take children to a game?- Are there any owners who would encourage their grandchildren to play hockey and get their brains scrambled?

Jay
said
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If Horton would have gotten up right after the hit there would not have even been a 2 min penalty called. Rome is being punished because Horton hit his head on the ice after a good hit. There were far worse dirty plays in that game and because the result of the play didn't need a stretcher it is just over-looked. Make the rules, follow them and get everything on a even playing field.

Michele
said
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yes Chara............but Karma can be bad. Face it hockey is a rough sport.

Brian
said
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imagine what will happen in vancouver 'IF' they don't win the cup as expected....remember the "RIOTS" from 94.......hmmmmmmmm, ah good ole vancouver "our" westcoast jewel!!

MontrealBruinsFan
said
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To all of you who say the hit was clean, and he was just protecting the Blue Line... Watch the hit again in slow motion. Watch Rome bend his knees and jump, watch his elbow follwo through at his head... The suspension fits...

Mark
said
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GOOD. Hopefully the Canucks don't win the Cup either so that his summer is extra long and unfulfilled.

Amar
said
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Defenitly excessive!!! 1 game for sure but 4 is way too much!

Pindy
said
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Head down or not...Horton was not the puck carrier and was not in control of the puck for some time. If you are not in control of the the puck you should be able to skate unimpeded and certainly not hit intentionally like Horton was. It was a very late, dirty hit on an unsuspecting opponent.

Joe
said
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I've played hockey at high levels and the biggest problem with the game is the lack of respect that fellow players show each other. This was clearly a LATE HIT. Just keep having these BUM players (ie. ROME) knock out the stars in the game. Watch the quality of hockey continue to deteriate as useless players knock out the stars!

Chris, Alberta
said
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That's a fair decision. Might start to get the message out about dirty play. It's high time.Game 4 will be interesting...

Vanc Guy
said
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Maybe a bit late but at those speeds players have to keep their heads up. A clean hit in my book - suspension is nuts. But then it was apparent early in the game that the refs don't want the Bruins to be touched in any way.

Kacy
said
0 0

oh he's "embellishing" as boston likes to say...he was only in the hospital overnight. Funny how it changes. Even funnier how chara was off the hook because his hit was "unintentional" and "he's never got in trouble before". Yet now we have a guy who doesn't ever play dirty has a little bit of bad timing but he is 100% accountable. BRAVO nhl you sure know how to play favorites huh. Bruins have been crying like babies for everything since the series started. they cry when they get penalties for things they clearly did and they cry when vancouver doesn't get penalties for the same thing they just got away with...they claim vancouver acts like a bunch of children and then they do the same exact thing repeatedly. I'm getting REALLY sick of Boston, I at least used to have respect for them until this season. And one last thought just to throw it out there THOMAS IS NOT A SUPER GOALIE he falls over at convenient times because he has a horseshoe up his but.

Pete M
said
0 0

Looks like there are a lot of Canuck fanboys in this comment section.

Jackie Barrett
said
0 0

In handing Aaron Rome a suspension for the rest of the Stanley Cup Finals, the NHL may have broken their own rules with respect to Game Misconduct penalties during Playoffs.According to NHL Rule 23.3, part of Rule 23 about "Game Misconduct Penalties", Game Misconduct related suspensions during playoffs can only be issued if a player commits second or subsequent general rule Game Misconducts.Since Aaron Rome committed his first Game Misconduct during the playoffs, he should not have been suspended at all. In other words, the Vancouver Canucks could appeal their ruling to conform with NHL rules regarding Game Misconducts.If the ruling is not challenged, then the NHL will continue to break their own rules.

Dave 2
said
0 0

If I hear one more time that the hit was"CLEAN, it just re-inforces my comment that hockey is the dumbest sport going.

Bye Bye hockey and you stupid FANS!!!

JD, Smiths Falls
said
0 0

Did people even read the article? It clearly says Rome was not penalized under Rule 48, the blindside hit rule! Because the hit happened more than 1 full second after he touched the puck and taking into account the severity of his injury, it abolutely warranted suspension! Don't believe me? See Rule 56 of the NHL rulebook. It's right there.

Luigi
said
0 0

If Pacioretty never go hit by Chara (who should have been suspended), Montreal was going to eliminate Boston for sure. They don;t deserve to be there, you can see it in their horrible Powerplay. Go Vancouver!!!

bearscat
said
0 0

It's over for the Canucks now. They don't have what it takes to compete with the Bruins. Men and boys.

bobcollum
said
0 0

To the Canuck fans that can admit how wrong this was I commend you, to all the Canucks (and apparently) Canadiens fans here that are too diluted to see reality, you should be ashamed of yourselves. I wouldn't wish this on any player in the league, dirtbag or not. These guys have to deal with this for the rest of their lives.

Tim
said
0 0

There seem to be alot of bitter canucks fans on here,
i think they need to get a grip on the way they punish people so this kinda play quits occuring so much, as for you vancouver fans im sure you would all be screaming murder if it were one of the Sedin sisters or kessler that left on a stretcher! give your heads a shake clean or not it was late and un called for hockey used to be about skill now its about who can hit harder and eliminate the other teams bench so they have no players to use and its not so hard on your team to win!

Unknown
said
0 0

Late, cheap, dirty and intent to injure. Let's face it...Stanley Cup playoffs brings the best/worst out of all the players. That's what you call mission accomplished by the NHL.Rules are in place to be enforced and yet open to interpretation by the officials on the ice that night. What will it take....... a death on the ice?

Randy
said
0 0

Should be lifetime suspension of NHL brass for inconsistent disciplinary action. Who is suspending them for unsportsmanlike conduct.

deborah
said
0 0

very disapointed in bruins goalie . hitting the sedin twin should have been a penalty. really to bad that the canucks goalie was left in the game way to long. like to thnk that the canucks can win. so lets start plauing real hockey not rough hitting garbage from last night.

Sandi in Ottawa
said
0 0

This was a clean hit ...yes, a little late, but clean. I have watched it repeatedly. I do not understand how Rome can be suspended for so many games when I think back to Chara's hit on Pacioretty from the Habs. Chara knocked him so hard, Pacioretty's head went flying. Chara caused him to have a broken neck and there was uncertainty as to whether or not Pacioretty would ever play again. Guess what Chara got? Nothing, not even a penalty. Un-real! I'm so done with these damn calls and decisions.

Tom Horton
said
0 0

I hate that expression "admiring his pass." It's an unfair insult usually hurled at a devastatingly injured player for the crime of skating fast and trying to make some offensive magic happen -- in other words, working hard to make the game the beautiful thing that it can be. It's just plain stupid to think that a bone-crushing late hit like the one Rome delivered on Horton can do anything good for the game. I love great hockey, but every time I see something like this, it makes me want to walk away for good. The NHL attitude is cynical -- do nothing more than required to escape liability. It's going to take the death of a popular player before they do anything about this problem.

Heather
said
0 0

When a player is hit so hard that you don't want your kids to see them seizing on the ice, that is when it's too far. My kids have grown up watching hockey and that was the first time I covered their eyes. You know he won't be the same player next year and will take some time to recover from it. What comes around goes around. May the best team win...

Randy
said
0 0

More of Murphy and Campbells hypocrisy what about Chara,s hit and hortons previous no penalty,s.

B in Ottawa
said
0 0

While I am surely rooting for the Canucks as the last Canadian team in the hunt this year for the Cup, I support the suspension of Rome for that hit. I watched it on television as I'm sure millions of other Canadians did, and it was clearly a late hit made well after the puck was released by Horton. That kind of dirty move has no place in hockey, and it should be condemned and corrective action taken (a suspension), which is exactly what happened in this case. I wish Horton a speedy recovery.

Jon
said
0 0

A four game suspension is completely ridiculous. The league is punishing Rome for Horton admiring his pass, and unfortunately being injured, not for the hit itself. This article says the hit occurred ��nearly a second after�� Horton passed the puck; meaning, less than one second. The problem is the slow motion reply, which makes the hit look much later than actually occurred in real-time. This was not a dirty hit; Rome�s elbows were down, he did not deliberately target the head or blind-side Horton. Let�s hope that this isn�t a sign of what�s to come from the NHL�s new czar of discipline. Otherwise, the NHL will quickly become the NO-HIT-LEAGUE.

RedneckVic1
said
0 0

5 - minute major and the game was all that was needed. It is time for the NHL to realize that the rules they are trying to bring in will hurt the game more than help it! Why not just put ballerina outfits on the players and give every one a puck and let them go! It is time for players to start watching what is going on around them.

axel
said
0 0

the steering of max paxcherty into the stantion by chara was dirty move and was seen as an unfotunate incident. it seems to me there is a double standard here. you live by the sword you die by the sword

Jack
said
0 0

"I think it was upsetting to all fans to see Horton on the ice like that and totally unnecessary."Chara should have also been suspended. Boston should stop whining.Isn't that what the Bruins said about Pacioretty ?

Tefla
said
0 0

I'm just wondering where the logic is sitting in the NHL's corner.You suspend Rome for this hit but not Chara for a hit on Pacioretty? Am I the only one thinking that something smells fishy?People in Glass Houses shouldn't throw stones.Boston I hope you go down.

Paul
said
0 0

And that is why hockey sucks and the reason I don't watch it! Time to grow up boys and stop acting like your neanderthal cousins.

Don
said
0 0

the NHL is making it up as it goes again.

Jay from Ottawa
said
0 0

A lot of the hockey experts predicted 1-2 games and Rome gets 4 games??? I mean I can understand 1-2 games for the fact the hit was late and Rome leaving his feet but his check was to Horton's chest so I think the reason Horton has his concussion was from the contact with the ice on the fall. I'm very surprised the NHL decided to make an example out of Aaron Rome for a hit that did not appear malicious to any extent; late but not malicious. Why I'm surprised? It's because now the NHL has a concrete precedent of suspending for a foreseeable duration of an injury regardless of circumstances; otherwise known as "an eye for an eye" and it's a phrase the NHL seemed to refuse to even acknowledge before but they sure seem to be acknowledging it now. I hope Horton recovers fully from his injury but the eye for an eye precedent concerns me greatly. (All above IMO)

FedUpWithBruinNeanderthals
said
0 0

Nothing for Chara on breaking Pacioretty's neck, nothing for Campbell for punching Pyatt repeatedly in the face with an elbow pad, nothing for Ference for his head shot on an unsuspecting Halpern, nothing for Marchand for his blatent leave-his-feet head shot on Gomez....oh, of course, they are Bruins and allowed to be neanderthals. Colin Campbell may have recused himself, but can we not agree he had some input! Bruin fans - how does it feel being on the receiving end of this crap!

John Fuller
said
0 0

It should be abundantly clear to the Canucks by now that dirty play is harming them. Biting Bergeron's finger and putting Horton out of the series have only served to motivate Boston. We need a different strategy now -- beat them by outplaying them, outskating them, outshooting them and, most of all, outthinking them.

Hypocrites!
said
0 0

How hypocritical of the Bruins & Betteman! Remember Chara on Pacorietty!

Patrick
said
0 0

I've never been a fan of blindside hits; they are very dangerous. But open ice, shoulder to body hits? Come on!!! It's the player's responsibility to keep his head up. That's how I was taught to play the game when I was a kid some 30 odd years ago; head up, on a swivel, always looking around. The hit was late? Fine, it's a deserved penalty for interference, then! This suspension is only happening because Horton has been one of the Bruin's best in the playoffs and the league doesn't want to appear soft. From here on end, it's all Bettman politics and the Bruins will take home The Cup because Bettman wants it that way.

gul abul
said
0 0

This is absolutely ridiculous!!!! I was disgusted enough with bostons cheap behaviour, but this is just to stupid to keep watching. Watching these finals is endorsing the crap that the nhl ad the bruins try to pass off as hockey. Horton is one dirty player and got nailed just as he deserved, with his head down.What about that boob thornton, the guy is litteraly seeking anyone to hurt....OPENLY, and the nhl does absolutely nothing. I am openly disgusted with the whole nhl, and won't be watching any more games, its just to ugly.

Glenn in Winnipeg
said
0 0

the bruins now have two emotional weapons to supply them with the "IF" factor to win this series (probably in 6 games). The two factors .... Burrows biting a finger and now Horton out for (how long?) but at least this series. "Win it for Horton" will juice the Bruins "intestion fortitudel". In all fairness, Boston should have won games 1 and 2 in Vancouver.

Scott (in Wild Rose Alliance Country)
said
0 0

So much for having to keep one's head up while skating. Why teach keeping the head up when the person checking will get suspended anyway! Oh well, another item removed from the "basic skills to teach a hockey player" list...

Just For Laughs
said
0 0

The NHL is a joke. Ex hockey players doing forensic science. Next year the league wants to have players wearing black boxes. That way they'll have definitive proof of when the puck was released and just how many milliseconds before contact. It'll measure impact and as well post game lie detectors can show if there was intent. Did Rome leave his feet going into the hit, or did Rome leave his feet, because Horton's contact caused him to elevate? Ask a former player? Meanwhile another player delivers a two handed slash to wish the experts then hoop out in celebration, looks like they are going to let them play. The spearing? Well it was after the play as they say. NHL = FAIL. Slim margin between this sport and WWF.

DV8
said
0 0

Didn't like seeing Horton down like that but he has to do his part and keep his head up. It was a clean hit and if he gets up after, maybe the officials give Rome two for interference. The NHL is once again proving itself to be an inconsistent, biased joke.

Brian
said
0 0

i think people are finally getting tired of vancouver's dirty tactics, finger biting for one...glad to see seden get knocked on his head in front of Thomas, keep it up, the rest of canada is cheering for you Boston!

late hit, that is all.
said
0 0

Rome held the blue line. He didn't skate into Horton. He only braced for impact with a player who unfortunately wasn't paying attention with his head down.

Tyman
said
0 0

Let me get this straightRome late hit on Horton that knocked him out of game and rest of playoffs with concussion. Rome suspended for 4 games. I think I am correct so far...Chara late hit on Pacioretty that sent him to hospital for a number of days. Chara not suspended...Except for the fact that Horton hit the ice and Pacioretty hit a stanchion I don't really see the difference.So why did both players receive the same penalty on the ice but only one received a suspension???

Bob in Ottawa
said
0 0

Some say that this kind of hit is the last thing the NHL needs in its "showcase" final. I say that this is EXACTLY what it needs.Enough of the splitting hairs on what is a legal hit and what isn't. Punishing some hits on results and not others ... punishing some hits on perceived intent and not others ...The NHL is the author of its own issues when it comes to hits to the end, blindside hits, hits to injure, etc., with its inconsistent and incomprehensible approach to discipline. The only way it'll change its approach and putting in place a principled, logical, comprehensible code of conduct/discipline is by being embarassed into doing so ...Assinined leadership beggets assinine results on the ice ...

Wendell in Aruba
said
0 0

I am pulling for the Canucks because they are a Canadian team and it would be great to see the cup back in Canada for a year. However, watch Boston. They are a great team......solid and deep, and the hit on Horton did seem to give them a battle cry to accelerate their game. I believe it was a dirty hit by Rome, and that he should be penalized for a couple of games anyways. Also, I agree with a couple of earlier comments about the lack of finesse in the game these days. Both teams have to abilities to provide it, so get away from the dirty hitting that is taking good players out of the game.

Chris
said
0 0

I've watched this hit over and over and over again, trying to see why people are NOT calling this a clean hit. WATCH IT IN SLOW MOTION people!!! Rome DID NOT leave his feet until (key word here people) AFTER contact was made. There was NO blindside as the contact was made CENTER of Horton's body. Horton had his head down!!! Now what was NOT clean about it was the fact that it was late. The contact was clean. The manner of the delivery was clean. The hit being late was not!!!

robin hood
said
0 0

If this keeps up there will no more players left standing to have a game. Keep it in Canada!

Connor
said
0 0

Maybe they just need to create softer ice to avoid this whole problem ... ha! Or some sort of better designed helmet?

Chico
said
0 0

Another reason why you should always keep your head up. It looked like a clean hit to me. Not Rome's problem if he was looking the other way.

AR
said
0 0

Great response Chris. As far as the game is concerned, as much as I am a vancouver fan Rome should be suspended for the remainder of the playoffs, how else are they going to stop this. I think it was upsetting to all fans to see Horton on the ice like that and totally unnecessary.

jean-guy
said
0 0

Poorest excuse of a hockey I've ever seen.Finger gabs to the mouth,hands rub in their faces.Boston did every thing they could too provoke a fight.Don't get me wrong I love Boston,they are one of my best choice.But that was un called for showed,poor sportman ship.And was the worst game of hockey played ever.THE franchize should cancell game 3 all out ,and replay the game.Officials let things go way too far,and too long.They should have call misconduct,at the first finger to the face.The Horton hit was a perfectly exacuted show.HE was OK!!! READY TO GET UP ON HIS OWN.But management wanted the major penalty,so they played it for every thing it was worth.Any one that would stick their finger down your throat,should have it bitten.If that is what happened in game 1.Accidents do happen and players do get carried away.But game 3 was a discusting show of ingnorance,lack of sportmen ship.And total disrespect for the game of hockey,and I refuse to watch this sport any longer.My kids will not be allowed to play or ever watch another game.THE NHL HAVE GONE TOO FAR!!!!

OliveOyl
said
0 0

A little Pacioretty karma?

steveo
said
0 0

Barely late hit....Horton took two strides right into Rome who stood him up at the blue line. I've seen much later hits in the corners called acceptable. Too bad he was injured on the play, fast game and the head has to be up. Horton expected Rome to back off, which you can't do.

Dave
said
0 0

Just goes to confirm that Hockey is the lowest grade of professional? sports.

I doubt that it will be around 20 years from now. I know I won't.

Brett
said
0 0

It was so great to see how Boston took care of Vancouver last night after that late "intent to injure" hit . Boston will win the cup now . Vancouver will crumble now that the series is amped up to the next level . They are not champion material . Too many fruit cakes on that team .

accountable
said
0 0

No one wants to see a player get hurt...but, lets not blow this out of proportion. The hit was clean, no intent to injure. just a little late. Just a few seconds earlier Horton 'did' attempt to injure another player. What was disgusting was the poor refereeing, and the 'after the whistle' behaviour..call it refs as it is putting the game in disrepute. The refs and players are supposed to be professionals...act like it!

boyalvin
said
0 0

a vicious hit to say the least. if you want to watch people get their heads bashed in, then take up MMA as your spectator sport of choice.

Chris, Alberta
said
0 0

@Confused - there are many news stories every day. The beauty is you get to choose which ones interest you when you click on the headline. You obviously chose to read this one and to comment on it. If you don't want to read it then don't. Simple eh? Even for you!

DL in Brant County, ON
said
0 0

I love the hypocracy of the league. If the player is hurt then all hell breaks loose. However, if the exact same offence occurs and the receiving player isn't hurt, well that's just a minor penalty, no review, no dicipline, nothing. Same argument goes for the Bertuzzi incident. It was still a good hit, but late enough to call a penalty. Also, the whole finger wagging in a players face is getting old guys. Alas, I'll cheer for Van, but summer is here and I'll just check the sports page the following day, I've seen enough.

spaz
said
0 0

What goes around, comes around......was there not a questionable hit by a Bruin named Charra??????.......Did not even watch the game last night......if you want to see great hockey......it comes every 4 years at the olympics

Vancouver Fan
said
0 0

That's too bad for Horton. Whether you're a Bruins fan or not, you got to feel sorry for the guy. He worked his butt off his whole life to get to the finals, now he can't even finish the series. I hope you have a speedy recovery Nathan.

Alex
said
0 0

That was not a clean hit, he left the ice and had his elbow out.

WatchDawg
said
0 0

Not sure what game the individuals claiming it was a clean hit were watching. Any hit after the fact is not clean. Rome has a history of this unintelligent play. The best way to stop these type of hits is, for every game the injured person misses the penalized player misses the same. But then again, the NHL and its chief disciplenarian are so inconsistant in its rulings even the players don't know the meaning of clean, cheap and dirty.

Claude Berube from Calgary
said
0 0

I am done with hockey. Too much free violence. You might believe this was legal I really don't care.
If I had hit your dog like this you'd probably want to kick my butt. Stop defending the NHL and this "beautiful sport".

confused
said
0 0

Yes, let's pretend that the top news story for today is a hockey player getting hurt, when other things are going on in the world like the e. coli outbreak and there is still major protesting going on in the middle east. Sometimes, I wonder about the world.

Raj
said
0 0

Both the Bruins and the Canucks were a disgrace to the sport of Hockey last night. Grown men behaving like toddlers and street thugs all at once, pathetic. Neither of these teams displayed the class of Stanley Cup champions last night.

what about bob
said
0 0

Canucks are done folks. Just watch and see. You don't give the opposition a reason to come back and prove they're the better team. Bruins in six!!!

Prof. Pye Chartt
said
0 0

Let's all take a moment to pretend that there's an effective "solution" that we can live with.

Hugh
said
0 0

Sorry Horton got hurt , but it was a clean hit and not from the blind side. Horton was busy looking for a return pass and the check was a good open ice hit.

Intelligent Liberal
said
0 0

That is bad news that Horton was injured, however the clean body check, albieit slightly late, does not merit any more than the one game already served. It was a classic open ice hit , not a cheap shot, on a player who was admiring his pass rather than skating with his head up. Classic hockey play, just an unfortuiante result that a playler was injured. If there is fault to be laid, it is with oversized and over hardened shoulder and elbow pads.

Glenn C
said
0 0

I don't think that Aaron Rome intended to hurt Nathan Horton at all. Aaron used to play in the WHL for the Kootenay Ice and he's never projected himself as a 'Hit and Run' type player! I hope Nathan recovers, but again, I do not believe Aaron Rome would want to win a game like that!

Borpo
said
0 0

unfortunate injury - great hit though! Scott Stevens made a career out of hits like that.

Melissa
said
0 0

It's hard to believe a team could display LESS class than the Bruins ... but, the Canucks have managed that.What an embarrassment to Canadian hockey.Finger biting, and blind-sided late hits.No respect.Hope the Bruins hoist the Cup.

allan
said
0 0

go Bruins!!

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