The Red Wings fell to the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 Wednesday night from the United Center in preseason NHL action.
Wings forward Fabian Brunnstrom may have cemented a spot on the Wings’ roster after scoring two goals adding to his impressive preseason with Detroit. Brunnstrom is currently signed to Detroit on a pro-tryout and it’s looking more and more like Detroit may have no other choice but to offer him a contract.
Detroit led a good portion of the game however the Blackhawks were able to fight back and former Wing Marian Hossa was able to get the game winner.
The game itself was overshadowed by a hit laid out by Detroit’s top defensive prospect Brendan Smith. With 5:26 left in the third period Brendan Smith caught Chicago’s Ben Smith in the head as he (Ben Smith) skated into the Wings’ zone with the puck. The Chicago forward ended up going to the ice having to be tended to. Meanwhile Brendan Smith was hit was a 10 minute game misconduct and a good chance at a suspension given the NHL’s stance on shots to the head.
Here are some reactions from Chicago and Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock…
Coach Joel Quenneville: “Both referees said that’s a classic example of what we’re talking about, that’s the illegal hit. It was pretty black and white. I’m not happy about it. [Ben Smith is] better, we’ll see how he is tomorrow. The severity of these suspensions have been very big. It’s going to get [the players’] attention, and I’m sure players will learn.”
Jonathan Toews: “It’s just scary to see a guy go down, especially when it’s your teammate. It sucks. It sucks for him. He was playing a good game, scored a big goal for us in the third period. You never want that to happen to anyone.
“Before I comment on the hit, I have to see it again to make sure you know what happened. It happened pretty quick when you see it from the bench. If it was a cheap hit, hopefully they take care of it the right way. I’ve seen a couple of them in the preseason. It’s unbelievable. They’re cracking down and it’s still happening. It sucks for Benny. Hopefully, it gets better. Hopefully, it’s just one of those things where he just got his bell rung and it goes away quickly.”
Marian Hossa: “The National Hockey League, the [NHLPA], everybody talked about [head hits] and it happens again in the preseason. It’s something you don’t want to see with a young player like that… It didn’t look good at all.”
Patrick Kane: “That’s just a hit you have to get rid of. It’s scary, just a little nudge like that, the game is so fast, and elbow to the head and to see [Ben Smith] just down and out. Hopefully he’s ok, I’m not sure what his status is, but hopefully that’s a big suspension. The league’s got to take care of that hit.”
Detroit coach Mike Babcock: “The interesting thing about the league now – and I don’t doubt that [Brendan Smith’s] shoulder hit [Ben Smith’s] head – is there any responsibility on the puck carrier, toe-dragging, sliding sideways, to look after himself? Doesn’t appear like there is anymore, is there? You come across the middle, toe-dragging like this, and you get dinged. And I’m not saying that our guy isn’t guilty, his shoulder hit his head, you better not put yourself in those situations I would say. There will be a video report about it tomorrow, I’m sure.”
Again there’s not doubt that former Red Wing and the NHL’s new disciplinarian chief Brendan Shanahan will get the tape, review and play and more than likely hand down a suspension on Brendan Smith.
In the end it appears as though Babcock may have point in Ben Smith taking some responsibility for the hit. However it was a hit to the head and the NHL needs to continue cracking down on plays like that involve head shots. Brendan Smith should still get a suspension and probably will be suspended.
Re: Mlive.com, Chicago Sun Times