The hockey world is abuzz today after a controversial hit by New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon on Buffalo Sabres forward JJ Peterka during the NHL Global Series game in Prague. The play in question saw Dillon catch Peterka with a hard check while the Sabres forward was skating up the ice with his head down.
Sabres Fans Demand Suspension, While Others Defend Clean Play
While the on-ice officials saw no issue with the hit, Sabres fans immediately took to social media, calling for Dillon to be suspended. They argue that the hit was a deliberate headshot and a violation of Rule 48, which prohibits hits where the head is the main point of contact.
However, many others, including some neutral observers, have defended Dillon, stating that the hit was clean. They point out that Dillon kept his shoulder down, didn’t leave his feet, and that Peterka was in a vulnerable position with his head down.
My Take:
As someone who has watched and analyzed countless hockey games, I can understand the frustration of Sabres fans. Peterka is a young, skilled player, and seeing him get leveled like that is never easy. However, upon reviewing the replay, I tend to agree with those who say it was a clean hit.
Dillon did everything by the book – he kept his shoulder down, didn’t launch himself into the hit, and made contact with Peterka’s shoulder first. While Peterka’s head did snap back, that was largely due to his own posture as he was skating with his head down.
It’s a tough lesson for a young player, but in today’s NHL, keeping your head up is more important than ever. Dillon simply finished a check that was there to be made.
While I don’t expect the NHL’s Department of Player Safety to take any action against Dillon, this incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding head contact in hockey. It’s a complex issue with no easy answers, and one that will continue to be discussed and debated for years to come.
Video of Brendan Dillon hit on JJ Peterka
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