| 06 June 2011
There are plays in hockey that make us stop. There are plays that amaze us, make us jump from our seats, make us clap, cheer and at times make us forget about everything else in the world. And then there are the plays that stop us as we look on in shock and disbelief. The hit by Aaron Rome on Nathan Horton in the first period of game 3 was one of the latter moments unfortunately, and one that will have Boston searching for updates, health for Horton and payback.
The hit by Rome came early in the first, a hit where the Vancouver defenseman stepped up in an attempt to make a big impact and set a tone for his team by taking on one of Boston's best. Unfortunately, the hit was late, was to the head and was blindsided- a perfect storm for injury- and the exact type of hit the NHL is attempting to remove from the game. For it to happen on the national stage, in a game that matters as much as this one and after a season where the league has worked hard to get rid of it, is disgraceful.
At this moment, the Bruins have announced that Nathan Horton has been transported to Mass General Hospital and is moving all of his extremities- a great sign after what happened on the ice. While all Bruins fans and those in the world of hockey are wishing for his quick and full recovery, it's a play like this that makes us stop and reflect on how lucky we all are to have our health and hope for the same for Horton. From all of us at SomethingsBruin, we hope Nathan all the best.
So what will happen to Rome because of this? Well, that is up to the league but after replay of the hit and him receiving the gate, it's likely he will be suspended. Have no doubt about it- this was a dirty hit. The replay shows Horton making the pass and being on his 3rd cross over before the shot is delivered. Rome on the hit leaves his feet making direct contact to Horton's head while he's facing away from him. The hit was dirty and a nonhockey play. It was unnecessary, a horrible choice and could have serious impacts on Horton's future this season and even long term.
If we compare this to the stiffer penalties that the NHL has been dealing out for similar hits, this one deserves 3 games. Will it be that extreme in the playoffs with a Mike Murphy dealing the penalty? No one knows. But be certain that anything less will lead to outcry in Boston and anything more will have Vancouver arguing that this is playoff hockey and the judgement is too harsh.
When it's all done with though we all really need to hope for 2 things. 1. For Nathan Horton's recovery and ability to come back and succeed at the game he loves. And 2. for the NHL to continue to crack down on the type of plays and situations that game after game reduces the talent and quality product they bring to the ice. Hopefully, the league takes advantage of this situation to do just that.
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