NHL won’t suspend Kings’ captain Dustin Brown for his hit on Ryan Murray

Here’s what the NHL’s department of player safety said Friday, on the day after the Kings’ Dustin Brown cracked the Columbus Blue Jackets with a shot to the head: “As per Rule 48, we have taken into account point (ii) Whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position by assuming a posture that made head contact on an otherwise full body check unavoidable. At moment of contact Brown’s elbow is tucked & his skates are on the ice. Arm flare & elevation are AFTER contact.”

Brown’s walking a fine line, however. The Kings love his physical play, but opponents around the league are starting to notice the toll it’s taking. Brown injured San Jose rookie Tomas Hertl with a knee-to-knee hit that still has the Sharks shaking their heads. Brown also ran into Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo, injuring his ankle and leading to a series of altercations in the teams’ next game. Last season, Brown was suspended for a hit on Minnesota’s Jason Pominville.

The Blue Jackets said Murray suffered an upper-body injury. He returned to the game, a 2-1 overtime victory for the Kings, but only after sitting out most of the second period following the check. Brown was given a charging penalty.

 

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email