On the Fly, theScore's NHL roundtable series, continues. This week, editors Craig Hagerman, Mark Millard, and Josh Gold-Smith debate how many games Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman should sit out for cross-checking linesman Don Henderson.
Hagerman: Wideman deserves to be suspended for 10 games or more.
After being hit by Nashville Predators forward Miikka Salomaki, Wideman appeared to be slightly dazed. He gingerly skated back toward his bench when, just before stepping off, he hit linesman Don Henderson from behind.
It's reasonable that he could still have been feeling the effects of the hit, but the fact is he made a distinct motion - it was not merely a collision - to hit the linesman. He may have - in the heat of the moment - mistaken Henderson for an opposing player, but even if that is the case, it was a vicious hit from behind, which would still warrant harsh supplemental discipline.
Wideman should be held accountable for his actions. Whether he showed remorse shouldn't matter as much as the fact he appeared to show intent to injure, and that is always a no-no.
Millard: Wideman should be suspended 10 games - no more, no less.
Although his argument that it was "completely unintentional" may be valid, you can't make contact with an official under any circumstances.
Wideman was certainly dazed after his head slammed into the glass following a hit just moments prior, but he skated directly toward the referee - staring in his direction - for two-to-three seconds. That is without a doubt more than enough time to ensure contact with Henderson is avoided.
Former NHLer Daniel Carcillo was handed a 10-game ban for much less after applying minimal force to an official during the playoffs in 2014.
Given Wideman's prior history, while considering his state of mind just prior to making contact with Henderson, a 10-game ban seems suitable. No matter where he was at mentally, it's a situation that could have easily been avoided.
Gold-Smith: If Wideman is telling the truth, he should be suspended for fewer than 10 games.
It would be easy to throw the book at him, because let's face it, the optics of this incident are very bad. But it's also important to have all the facts when making a decision like this, and we don't.
Wideman appeared to be disoriented after absorbing the hit from Salomaki, and his unexpected hit on Henderson came mere seconds later.
If he convinces the league that he was incapable of distinguishing Henderson from a Predators player, the NHL could be forced to go lighter on him than many expect.
If Wideman was groggy, as he appeared on video, the other question would be why the Flames allowed him to continue playing.
Make no mistake: he should absolutely be suspended. But if a head injury played any role in this, he shouldn't be forced to sit more than five games.
