Pronger Suspended... Again

[hockeycardguy9]

Pronger suspended for Game 4 of Stanley Cup finals

Watch The Hit - YouTube.com

OTTAWA (AP) -- Anaheim defenseman Chris Pronger received a one-game suspension Sunday for his hit to the head of Ottawa forward Dean McAmmond in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals.

Pronger, also given a one-game ban during the Western Conference finals, leveled McAmmond with a forearm Saturday night in the Ducks' 5-3 loss to the Senators. He will miss Game 4 of the series, that Anaheim leads 2-1, on Monday night. He is eligible to return for Game 5 back in Anaheim on Wednesday.

It is the sixth career NHL suspension for the 6-foot-6, 220-pound, hard-hitting All-Star and the second in these playoffs. During the previous round against Detroit, Pronger was banned for Game 4 after his hit to the head of Red Wings forward Tomas Holmstrom against the boards.

"The positives that Chris Pronger brings to the table far outweigh the negatives," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said moments after the announcement. "We live with the suspension and we move forward."

Pronger wasn't penalized on the ice for either of the hits that led to his suspensions.

"A variety of factors were considered in reaching this decision," NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell said. "Mr. Pronger used his forearm to deliver a forceful hit to the head of his opponent. Also, his actions caused injury to his opponent."

McAmmond -- seven inches and 30 pounds smaller than Pronger -- was struck as he skated with the puck toward the Ducks net. He did a spin, fell backward, struck his head on the ice, and slid into the corner in the Anaheim zone at 2:01 of the third period.

"When I look at it, there are plusses and minuses to 6-foot-6," Campbell said. "Just because you have a height advantage doesn't mean you can deliver an elbow to the head.

"To us, an elbow to the head is a dangerous play regardless of the player's size."

McAmmond briefly lost consciousness, Senators coach Bryan Murray said, but there was no official announcement that the veteran of 14 NHL seasons sustained a concussion.

After receiving medical attention for several minutes, a dazed and woozy McAmmond was helped to the dressing room and didn't return. His status for Game 4 is questionable at best.

"McAmmond doesn't look promising," Senators coach Bryan Murray said Sunday before the suspension was levied.

Campbell said he had "no doubt" McAmmond was knocked out on the ice.

"We think it was totally unintentional. The league thought different," Carlyle said. "Chris Pronger is a competitive player. Some people will say he's using his size as an excuse.

"The fact of the matter is his elbows are higher than most people's elbows. It's not like he raised his elbow to deliver a blow to the head."

-Jordan

 

[frankiefives]

It was a disgusting act but what else can you expect from this horse's behind? He's always been a dirty player

 

[27Leafs27]

Sixth suspension, that should say something about this guy, he's dirty , no getting around the fact. Maybe if the Sens win the next game he'll feel bad about the hit. I'm tired of hearing about his size all the time, that should have no bearing on it, if you hit people in the head then you should be suspended. Hopefully these suspensionswill get stiffer in the future.
Dan.

 

[Kharlamov17]

Well...Ducks won last time Pronger was suspended so this doesn't have to be a bad thing for the Quackers. Just view it from a different perspective.

But if they lose...Then it's another story. LOL

 

[hockeycardguy9]

Vic - Even if the Ducks win or lose, doesn't matter. It's about the safety of other players. The 2nd time in two playoff series is ridiculous. How long before someone gets seriously hurt. I'm surprised he only got a game, being so similar to the last incident just a while back and doing the exact same thing... I mean, McCammond was clearly done shooting, and skating around Pronger, when he stuck is elbow out and got him in the head. I used to have respect for Pronger, but I don't care how good you are, I don't respect anyone who plays like that.


-J

 

[TheMessiah11]

Sixth suspension, that should say something about this guy, he's dirty , no getting around the fact. Maybe if the Sens win the next game he'll feel bad about the hit. I'm tired of hearing about his size all the time, that should have no bearing on it, if you hit people in the head then you should be suspended. Hopefully these suspensionswill get stiffer in the future.
Dan.

Well said Dan.
I am all for the fights and gritty players, but Pronger is another story. I was expecting a longer suspension since this is the 2nd suspension in this playoff year.
I hope the Sens can keep their momentum with this and take the series.

 

[FASTMAX]

Well said Dan.
I am all for the fights and gritty players, but Pronger is another story. I was expecting a longer suspension since this is the 2nd suspension in this playoff year.
I hope the Sens can keep their momentum with this and take the series.

I was also expecting a longer "lay-off" for Pronger, but not in the playoffs. I expected 4-5 games at the beginning of next season. The elbow was kind of dirty, but it could have been worse. I think the players should all have to go back to the same kind of pads from the 60s. Felt and leather. Too much plastic in the pads today make these guys feel invincible. Less pads = better hockey. On a side note, does anyone remember watching hockey from WAY BACK in the day. 70s-80s for me I used to see a lot more "dirty" play back then. Watch some old games of Messier, Denis Potvin and a few of those other "dirty" players, ESPECIALLY Messier

 

[TheMessiah11]

I remember hockey back then. Messier used to cross-check guys into the boards face first!! No one would dare suspend him for it.
The suspension for Pronger is like slapping his hands and telling him no. He's going to keep doing it.

 

[sholi2000]

I too was expecting 2-3 games.