HockeyFanLand

Alex Ovechkin laid a pretty nasty hit on Zbenyk Michalek during Sunday's game between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins, which left commentators instantly speculating on whether Ovechkin would feel the wrath of NHL discipline czar Brendan Shanahan. There's going to be a disciplinary hearing today, NHL.com reports.

Now, while Ovechkin wasn't penalized on the play, he left his feet which led to his shoulder hitting Michalek's head. But Michalek was fine so, as Puck Daddy's Greg Wyshynski writes, "Without an injury, we'd wager there won't be [a suspension]."

Meanwhile, Michalek's agent, Allan Walsh, got into the action, tweeting, "There is no place in our game for this kind of hit." But even with Shanahan's heavy handedness thus far, it's tough to see Ovehckin missing games for the hit.

The HockeyFanland Insight

It is my belief that if Brendan Shanahan is holding a hearing on this incident it should carry a 1-2 game suspension. If this indeed happens it sends a unified message  Brendan Shanahan does not consider preferential treatment for players based on star status within the NHL. in addition, Alex Ovechkin left his feet on the play, and has been suspended in the past. This has to be taken into account when the sentence is handed out, like it is for every other player in this situation. 

At the very least, there should have been a penalty assessed on the play. There should be some recourse for a referee who misses an obvious call such as this one.

Related Link

Will Ovechkin be disciplined for his leaping hit on Michalek? 

Update: Alex Ovechkin suspended 3 games

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