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Brendan Shanahan calls Sabres “completely irresponsible” for comments

2011 Hockey Hall Of Fame Induction

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 14: Brendan Shanahan speaks with the media prior to the 2011 Hockey Hall of Fame Induction ceremony at the Hockey Hall Of Fame on November 14, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett

Upon hearing that the NHL decided not to suspend Milan Lucic for his controversial check on Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff and others wondered if it’s “open season” on goalies. To little surprise, that statement irked lead disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan, who called the Sabres’ comments “completely irresponsible” and said that it isn’t the case, according to Nick Cotsonika.

Shanahan explained that if someone else runs a goalie, that player will discuss the matter with him. If Shanahan “doesn’t buy” that person’s explanation, then a suspension will occur.

It’s good that Shanahan hopes to hold players accountable (and avoid a Wild West in which netminders morph into heavily padded targets), but the subjective nature of “buying it” could open things up to more complaints. Hopefully future conference calls won’t be the hockey equivalent to an ineffectual trip to the principal’s office, but we’ll have to wait and see once (or if?) a similar collision takes place.