Chris Kunitz Cross-Checks Simeon Varlamov In the Head

It seems every time something happens in the NHL involving shots to the head the entire hockey-loving spectrum of the Internet gets worked into a Tasmanian Devil-like tizzy. Should the perpetrator be suspended, or were his actions conducted while “in he heat of battle?”

Well last night we added another incident to a list of on-ice crimes that has already grown to lengths John Holmes would envy. Have a gander:

So here we go again: Should Kunitz be suspended, or will Colin Campbell simply turn his back on what is clearly a blatant attempt to incapacitate the Washington Capitals goaltender as the Penguins tried to come back from a two-goal deficit? Incidentally Pittsburgh would climb to within a goal moments after this little display of goonery.

If you watch the video close you’ll see that it was a pretty harsh shot to Varlamov’s neck area. Granted, he wasn’t injured on the play, but since when is it acceptable to give the opposing goaltender a whack in the throat? And please, let’s not delve into the “Kunitz was battling for the puck” rigmarole, because giving a goalie a two-hander in the Adam’s apple does not equal fair play.

By now everyone should be familiar with my unwavering stance on these ridiculous — and in this case totally unnecessary — head shots, but I feel compelled to say that what Kunitz did should earn him a couple games and a dunce cap.

We’ve already seen both during the regular season as well as these playoffs how a seemingly serious incident can go unpunished, so it’s anyone’s guess as to whether or not the Penguins will be without Kunitz’ services for a few games. With that being said it doesn’t mean that one word can’t sum up what took place in the waning seconds of last night’s game:

Stupid. Just plain stupid.

Paul Benvin covers the Detroit Red Wings for The Hockey Writers. Feel free to contact him with tips, video, or general dissension.