Head coach calls on NHL to suspend Alex Ovechkin for ugly head shot.

The seemingly complete lack of consistency when it comes to player discipline in the National Hockey League has been a constant source of frustration for hockey fans, coaches in the league, as well as for players themselves. I no longer think it's even remotely controversial to suggest that the status of the players involved, or in some cases not involved, in league discipline has often dictated how severe the punishments have been and in some cases have resulted in no punishments at all. 

On Friday night the National Hockey League and the NHL's Department of Player Safety were once again put to the test when Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin, unquestionably one of the biggest names in the sport of hockey, delivered a questionable hit to a much less recognizable opponent.

The Capitals were facing off against the Florida Panthers on Friday night and although fans were treated to a rather exciting contest with both teams combining for a total of 11 goals on the evening, but all the talk coming out of that game has been focused on Ovechkin. In the opening seconds of the game's second period the Capitals' captain delivered a high hit to the head of Florida Panthers defenseman Mark Pysyk, a hit that looked like it had quite the impact on Pysyk based on his reaction to the blow. 

I must admit that while watching it live I initially did not think the hit was particularly dirty however there was little doubt that Pysyk was in a bad way after taking the shot from Ovechkin. The former first round pick would quickly leave the game after the incident and it was not very long after the fact that the Panthers would officially announce that Pysyk would not be returning to the game due to a "upper body injury." Although the Panthers have not disclosed the nature of Pysyk's injury at this time a few looks at different camera angles on the hit leave little doubt as to what happened to him.

After viewing multiple angles in slow motion it becomes quite clear that the hit from Ovechkin was not only high, but that the Capitals star forward actually drove his shoulder up and into the head and face of Pysyk on the play. It definitely looks like a head shot to me and the Florida Panthers made it very clear that they noticed the potential infraction from Ovechkin as well. In fact the Panthers now appear to be calling for the National Hockey League to step in and deal with the matter. 

A report from Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press has revealed that Florida Panthers head coach Bob Boughner wants the NHL's Department of Palyer Safety to review the hit. Although Boughner has not directly called for a suspension to Ovechkin is quite clear what he means what he makes that kind of statement.

"I hope they do because if you see the replay, it's high," said Boughner. "It's a head shot. And the league's trying to clamp down on that."

Should Ovechkin be suspended for this hit? Perhaps more importantly will he be given his superstar status? Take a look and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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