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Video: Rangers’ Nash ‘did not target’ Kopecky’s head

Florida Panthers v New York Rangers

during an NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden on March 21, 2013 in New York City.

Paul Bereswill

After an outcry from fans and media toward the National Hockey League for not suspending New York Rangers forward Rick Nash for a controversial hit on Tomas Kopecky, the league’s Department of Player Safety responded.

The league released a video explanation for why Nash was not suspended for a high hit on the Florida Panthers’ forward on Thursday.

It was stated during the video explanation that: “Although we do not think this was a legal hit, we also believe it does not rise to the level of supplemental discipline.”

It was also stated that Kopecky turned his back “just prior to Nash making contact, which contributes to the impact of the hit.”

The department deemed that Nash did not target Kopecky’s head and that it was not the principal point of contact.

Earlier in the day, the league’s disciplinarian, Brendan Shanahan, called the Nash hit “rotten” but that it was not enough for a suspension.

On Friday, the league suspended Canucks defenseman Alex Edler two games for colliding with Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith behind the Phoenix net in the second period of Thursday’s game.

The Canucks released a statement Friday evening, saying the club did not agree with the league’s decision, but would not comment further.