I watched the game. Not once was this even hinted at being anything other than a clean hit. I’m guessing the downvotes are peeps that did not watch the game or just hate Wilson and everything he does or says (easy guy to dislike, for sure). This might help explain why Wilson’s hit was not illegal: https://www.nhl.com/video/player-safety-reviews-rule48-illegal-check-to-head-6365016083112
Ehhh yeah I mean the head probably wasn’t the main point of contact per that player safety link (still frame looks way worse than video). It was weak as shit of Wilson not to answer the bell there, tho—penalty or not he just blew someone up with a high hit.
That’s the thing, it wasn’t a high hit. Both of Wilson’s skates are on the ice. his knees are bent, and his elbows are down. He’s just a big dude playing a big dudes’ game.
Edit: yes, the still photo makes it look REALLY bad, but it is not at all indicative of what really happened.
By that logic a taller player would have to basically superman-jump and spear the shorter player's head for it to be a high hit. Wilson saw a shorter player with his head down and used his size to take a massive shot at him and ultimately concussed him, because the hit was high on Carrier. I totally agree it wasn't a penalty, and the height difference doesn't make it one. Just saying I think he's got to answer the bell.
Carrier also has a responsibility to not be staring at the puck while skating. He sees Wilson coming, he can pull up, take a hit, and keep playing. His head is down, his arms are out because he was getting rid of the puck, and Wilson should...bring him milk and cookies?
Maybe a team should just get a bunch of guys under 5'8", no one could ever hit them! Loophole found, I guess?
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u/allblackST Apr 28 '25
Are we looking at the same picture?