Edmonton Oilers defenseman Tom Gilbert has been added to Colin Capmbell’s long list fines and suspensions as he was handed a $2,500 fine – the maximum under the CBA, for an illegal hit to Calgary Flames forward Matt Stajan. The hit was to the head, something that the NHL has been cracking down on heavily after a plethora of concussions in this young season.
The hit took place Saturday night in Calgary’s 5-3 victory. Gilbert drew an interference penalty on the play, while Stajan was not injured and was able to finish the game.
For Stajan and his fans it had to be a scary moment. Stajan was a big piece to the injury woes Calgary has suffered early in this season, as this was only Stajans second appearance since he separated his shoulder in pre-season. Stajan played on the top line that night with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay notching three assists for a totally of 8 points spread amongst the three top liners in Saturday’s much-needed victory.
Once again, I don’t subscribe to the theory that a $2,500 fine is going to keep players from making these hits. This was by far not the worst case example to the head-shots that have been such an issue, but the NHL must get on top of it in an effort to make players really feel the penalty of their actions.
- Kendall Grubbs
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