The NHL's discipline practices have been under the microscope in recent weeks, and another ugly incident has taken place that is likely to test the system further.
In Wednesday's Blackhawks-Ducks game in Anaheim, Chicago's Brent Seabrook caught Anaheim's Corey Perry with a hit near the end boards that knocked Perry down.
Just a few seconds later, Anaheim's James Wisniewski laid a crushing hit on Seabrook that knocked the Chicago defenceman out of the game. Starting from the faceoff circle, Wisniewski sped at Seabrook and launched himself off the ice and into the defenceman at the end boards.
Wisniewski was assessed a minor charging penalty on the play, while Seabrook appeared dazed on his feet before collapsing to the ice.
Seabrook was facing Wisniewski with his back to the end boards, but was looking down at the puck that was near him and likely did not see the hit coming until the very last moment.
Chicago's Duncan Keith immediately fought Wisniewski, with both players drawing five-minute majors.
