Ovechkin's Suspension: Fair or Excessive?

Alex Ovechkin was suspended yesterday for his "hit" on Brian Campbell Sunday that led to Campbell reportedly breaking his collarbone and ribs. When the 2 game suspension was announced the debate began whether or not the suspension was fair or even necessary. A TSN online poll indicated that a large majority of people believe the suspension wasn't severe enough and I guess that puts me in the minority that believes the suspension wasn't even necessary. Now let me say that it's really unfortunate that Campbell will likely be out for the remainder of the season, but it was a freak incident.

I think that the 5 min. major and game misconduct Ovechkin received on Sunday was punishment enough for a player who is unfortunately being labeled as a dirty player as time progresses. There didn't appear to be any malicious intent in the push by Ovechkin which makes this suspension even worse. Ovechkin plays the game hard and for whatever reasons, that rubs people the wrong way. I acknowledge that it was a dangerous play which is why I think the penalty was needed, but a hit should have been expected by Campbell as hits come on plays like that all the time.

I think that the NHL has more to worry about when it comes to dirty hits on the heads of players rather than a push into the boards. Those types of hits are ones that while legal are  more harmful because of the possibility of concussions and the lasting effects that concussions have on people. When Matt Cooke took out Marc Savard with a headshot, that led to no punishment whatsoever. Now how can that hit not warrant a suspension but an unfortunate push land one of the stars of the league a 2-game break?

This suspension also has people focusing on the wrong things in the NHL. A sport should be generally celebrated and the NHL seems to only make news when a player is suspended, and while I generally believe that no news is bad news, having suspensions being the highlight of your sport isn't right. You need to focus the attention of the world on the actual games, the stars, and teams of the league that are playing well, not suspending the reason people watch your sport.