No malicious intent on the part of McLeod, and it’s terrible the play turned out the way it did. However, the league needs to understand that there are really two sorts of hits causing concussions: “race for the puck” hits, and open ice hits.

Open ice hits, for the most part, are avoidable. In most cases it’s a player going out of their way to try and lay someone out.

“Race for the puck” hits are different. More often than not, I don’t see a guy trying to drive a guy through the boards so much as a guy simply initiating contact. Similar to McLeod’s hit here - no harmful intent, but the result is gruesome.

I’m convinced the only way these kind of hits will cease to happen is if the emphasis is placed on playing the puck, and not the man in these kind of situations. Until then, you’ll have to continue a strict regiment of 5 min major/game misc penalties to completely remove these dangerous plays from the game.

Posted by DrewBehr from The Mitten on 12/27/11 at 03:25 AM ET

‘No malicious intent’ from the guy who is leading the league in PIMs this season? Cody McLeod knew exactly what he was doing. I’m surprised he hasn’t been suspended by this point in the season… he’s going to get at least 3 games for this hit.

Posted by NHLBigHits from NHL on 12/27/11 at 12:16 PM ET

Word is no NHL hearing scheduled for today and the Avs play tonight, so it looks as if McLeod won’t be suspended.

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 12/27/11 at 12:24 PM ET