Originally Posted by
phaedrus
Consequential injuries are often a good indicator of the recklessness of the conduct involved. Sure, if Zetterberg had been injured, Weber would be subject to a lengthy suspension; but then, if Z had been injured, it would be much harder to characterize the play as a thoughtless but trivial (almost playful, I'd say, but I'm not a Wings fan) bonk on the glass. Meanwhile, Hossa's injury visibly underscored the vulnerable position Hossa was in when the hit was made.
The idea that the game is getting more out of control is wrongheaded, and is fuelled, I think, by the obsession of certain members of the media who see it as good column fodder. The truth is that the NHL has focused on reducing dangerous play, specifically hits to the head, like never before, and have been doling out suspensions at an unprecedented rate. How could they not, when hockey's Lebron James missed most of two seasons with a head injury?
Torres got what he probably deserved, given his record. But five years ago, he may not have been suspended at all. Hell, Bertuzzi got less time than Torres, in one of the ugliest plays in NHL history.
As for supposed star treatment, it probably exists to some extent like in all sports, but note that the list of players suspended just this year includes Nick Backstrom, Alex Ovechkin, Duncan Keith, Jeff Skinner, Mike Green, Shane Doan, Kris Letang, and Milan Lucic. That's a veritable All-Star team.