The NHL is a step closer to a new rule on blindside hits to the
head, with the league's board of governors unanimously approving a
proposed penalty banning blows to the head of an unsuspecting
player.
Timing and details of the new rule's implementation are being
worked on by the league's hockey operations department and the
players' association. General managers first proposed the rule
earlier this month.
Florida Panthers forward David Booth missed 45 games this
season after getting hit by Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike
Richards - a play that was legal at the time, but will no longer be
tolerated under the new system.
An unpunished blindside hit by Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke
against Boston's Marc Savard on March 7 also increased pressure to
enact a new rule. Savard sustained a concussion that will likely
sideline him for at least the rest of the regular season.
The GM meetings began the day after Savard was hit.
The new rule also needs approval from the NHL competition
committee of five players, four general managers and Philadelphia
Flyers owner Ed Snider.
