Nashville Predators’ Shea Weber fined $2500 over hit on Detroit Red Wings’ Henrik Zetterberg-NHL News
Nashville Predators’ defenseman, Shea Weber, has become the second player to have been penalised by the National Hockey League (NHL) in the playoffs of the 2011-2012 NHL season after the league office landed him a $2,500 fine as a punishment over a hit on
Detroit Red Wings’ forward, Henrik Zetterberg.
NHL, the regulatory and representative body of the American and Canadian professional ice hockey teams, also warned the player to be careful and avoid committing any foul during rest of the postseason.
Weber’s penalty comes after the office had announced a two-game suspension for Vancouver Canucks’ right wing, Byron Bitz, over a similar hit on Los Angeles Kings’ left wing, Kyle Clifford.
Weber was taken to the task for slamming Zetterberg’s head against the glass in the first game of the playoff series, which, according to Zetterberg, had cracked his helmet. He said to be lucky to have successfully avoided the possibility of concussion.
The hit came about in the last few moments of the game, which was won by Predators with three to two (3-2) goal difference.
In an effort to keep puck out of Wings’ player’s possession, Weber smashed Zetterberg’s head into the glass.
According to Zetterberg, he felt a spell of dizziness, but later looked to be fine. He was made to go through the baseline test for concussion before showing up for the morning skate with teammates on Thursday, April 12, 2012.
Zetterberg said of the incident:
"I thought it was dirty. I think it was a direct (blow) to my head and look what happened the last few years with all the head injuries. I think that shouldn't belong in the game."
Weber, on the other hand, looked to be adamant of the hit, saying given the pace in which the game is played, happening of anything is possible.
He said:
"It's a quick game and things happen and it's an emotional game. I'm just thankful he's not hurt, and now we can move forward."
NHL office did not look to agree with Weber’s view and announced the fine, with a stark warning to avoid it happening during remaining part of the playoffs.
The office noted that it was the maximum punishment that it could impose on the player under the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
NHL chief disciplinarian, Brendan Shanahan, said of the player’s hit:
"This was a reckless and reactionary play on which Weber threw a glancing punch and then shoved Zetterberg's head into the glass."
Shanahan said that his office has linked the penalty to future conduct of the player with the apparent warning to him to be careful.
Weber confirmed to have talked to the commissioner about the warning, saying it was a straightforward and to-the-point conversation.
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