Chiarelli still devastated with Campbell's non-suspension decision
In the recent wake of the NHL’s Sr. V.P. and Director of Hockey Operations’ Colin Campbell’s decision not to suspend multi-headhunter Matt Cooke, the remaining dust of the aftermath has started to settle — sort of.
The general manager’s meeting wrapped-up in Boca Raton, Florida, yesterday after three days of deliberating, discussing, and debating multiple NHL topics. The number one area of focus was blindside hits to the head, and the recommendations of changing the existing rule(s). The new rule, which could possibly take effect next season, would allow referees to call a minor or major penalty — hopefully the latter — to the violator who contacts an opponent where primary point of impact is to the head.
With Boston’s center Marc Savard possibly out for the season with a Grade 2 concussion, many people are still up-in-arms with Campbell’s decision — including Bruins’ brass, Peter Chiarelli.
From Examiner.com
“There’s a chance that Marc may be out for the year. He’s one of our best players. It’s devastating to us.” said Chiarelli this morning from Philadelphia’s Wachovia Center. “The league made it clear, Colin made it clear that he knows this players [Cooke] is a multiple, repeat offender.
“He knows how bad Marc is hurt” added Chiarelli “He couldn’t make that connection to levy a suspension. You know, it’s devastating to us.”
The Bruins, and even its coaching staff, have been ripped-apart nationwide for their lack of retaliation on Sunday following the incident. it could be in part due to the “last five minutes” instigator rule. And it could be because the Bruins were down 2-1 at the time — playing for two-points — fighting for their post-season hopes. Whatever the reason, Chiarelli wasn’t too fond of their response, or lack-there-of.
“I said yesterday that I was disappointed and I was disappointed. There are certain ways to react and I felt that we didn’t. And I’ll leave it at that.” said Chiarelli.
There’s no doubt that the Bruins’ backers ticked-off for the Black-and-Gold’s lack of response to avenge their No. 1 center’s unnecessary injury on Sunday — and rightfully so. But the Bruins will host the non-suspended Matt Cooke and the Penguins in their first home game back from their long road-trip, at the TD Garden, next Thursday, Mar. 18. So maybe with Chiarelli’s recent comments and the recent ripping of the team’s heart and toughness by the Boston faithful,the Bruins will make Matt Cooke eat his lunch one-week from today.
Read more of Chiarelli’s comments on Examiner.com
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