Can we stop discussing whether every hit is dirty or not?

Question

First of all, I'm not voicing any opinion on whether this play was dirty or not.  However, I'm watching the Caps/Lightning game, and Simon Gagne went down hard after being hit by Scott Hannan.  While he was being checked out, the TSN announcers just kept repeating that it was a hard hit, but not dirty.  I stopped counting after the 7th time they made the point, but they continued to make it a few more times after.  To me, this was absolutely disrespectful to Gagne.  Save discussion for a lull in the action or the intermission or post-game show.  While the guy is down on the ice, it would be nice to at least show a little concern, rather than just spending the entire time talking about safety issues.

So, the question is simply whether or not the discussion of dirty hits (which between Crosby and Pacioretty this season and Savard last year, and the efforts of all sports recently to take a stand against concussions) has gone too far and has gotten to the point where figuring out if the hitter should be suspended is taking precedent over concern for the actual safety of the players concerned?

ballplayer11 · Accepted Answer

It depends on the reff for dirty hits or clean hits. I tend to argue with the reffs a lot and think that most hits are clean and people need to stop complaining about dirty hits.

Machinehead · Answer

It was a beautiful clean hit. Anyone who disagrees can go play checkers instead.

And I'd also like to point out the show of respect from Hannan to Gagne as Gagne was leaving the ice; a perfect example of what happens when you let the players play. There's usually enough respect to not cross certain boundaries without silly rules, and if there isn't, respect will be taught the old fashioned way. There's no need for the league to be involved.

Got a little bit of old school hockey there, respect between two warriors playing the game at full throttle. That's what we need more of, not suspensions.

As far as the discussion goes I think it's gotten waaaay out of hand.

I gotta root for Tampa, they got us into the playoffs. But I won't be upset if Washington wins because I've always liked Ovy, even though he's crazy sometimes.

Anonymous · Answer

It is because Pierre McQuire kept repeating that it was not a dirty hit, sort of like he was defending Scott Hannan.  But I agree they were talking more about how the hit was hard but not dirty, rather than showing at least a little of concern.  The NHL has gone too far with dirty hits and know every big hit is questioned by the league.

Anonymous · Answer

Well, Crosby happened. Since he got hit and has had that concussion there's beem a lot discussion about hits and head shots. It's definitely warranted but your correct in thinking it's a little over done. Machinehead you were spot on, Hannans hit was good but Gagne didn't see it coming which resulted in how it was played out. It was a really nice move by Hannan and that's what makes him a good, and I quote, "classy" player. btw who are you rooting for?

Glad you won't be upset 'cause we're winning this one! (knock on wood). I'm obviously rooting for the Caps :) LETS GO CAPS!!!

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michinoku2001 · Answer

The sports talk shows need material so they will continue to discuss it.

Snid · Answer

Some of them ARE dirty.  Most of them are just hard hits.  i agree with you.  Let them play hockey!

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Can we stop discussing whether every hit is dirty or not?

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