Even to my "unbiased" eyes it seems clear the Gophers put a target on JZ's back. They were head hunting him quite a bit and were successful. He needed stiches after one hit and was knocked out of the game (and perhaps longer) after the second. It's the merest coincidence the second hit came shortly after JZ scored.
Some of this is just part of hockey. But IMO it crossed the line tonight.
Last year when Jesse Martin was very nearly killed, we got lectures from Sioux fans about how "he had his head down." That seemed to me to miss the gravity of the situation a bit. Then tonight pious Gopher fans lined up to criticize me for suggesting someone should insert a stick in Rau's rump and break it off. Why, lordy, you can't suggest physical violence against a player, even one who deliberately hurt one of the better players in the league. That wouldn't be cricket. Bosh. As if those same pious people wouldn't have approximately the same response if the situation were reversed. My hypocrisyometer went off big time.
Now the truth of the matter is I don't want anything to happen to Rau (although losing a handfull of his teeth wouldn't bother me much) I was just blowing off steam. As almost anyone would under similar circumstances.
As to what, if any, punishment will be coming his way, anything is fine by me. Of far more importance is JZ's health and quick return to the lineup. DU's had more than it's share of injuries this year and just can't stand to lose more players. Especially first rate players like JZ.
