Is Shanny Slipping?

When Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan took over as the NHL's chief disciplinarian in July of 2011 from Colin Campbell, it was a move that was largely applauded by the hockey world. Shanahan, a player with experience in the modern NHL was expected to provide a tougher stance and more clarity on suspensions.

Shanahan immediately introduced a new concept: actually releasing videos that show the incident in question and a concise explanation about why a player received supplemental discipline. He even went a step further and started releasing videos explaining why a player wasn't  disciplined, as well as videos clarifying specific plays which were permitted and others that weren't. All this was a revelation and the game has benefited as a result. However this season there has been a bit of confusion regarding decisions that have or have not been made and some are wondering if Shanny is slipping.

Case in point is an incident earlier this week between Taylor Hall of the Oilers and Zbynek Michalek of the Coyotes. I'll let the video set the scene:

Hall received no supplemental discipline on a play that clearly seems to fit the criteria for a Shanaban. It was retaliatory, it was an obvious attempt to injure, and it was dangerous. Even more shocking is that the play didn't even warrant a minor penalty, as both referees on the ice somehow missed it. Even Hall expressed after the game that he was surprised not to be penalized. This was undoubtedly a mistake on the part of the NHL to let this one slip through the cracks, and after the outcry on Twitter you can be sure that they noticed. Which brings me to another incident last night which was very different, but no less worthy of discipline:

Ottawa goalie Craig Anderson clearly uses his stick as a weapon and puts it into the eye of New Jersey's Adam Henrique on a play that again went unpenalized during the game. Entirely different than the Hall play, but no less dangerous as this could have led to a serious injury. If this one also goes unnoticed by Shanahan, then we are starting to see a disturbing trend of players pushing the limits of what is acceptable and getting away with it.

It's difficult to criticize Shanahan for the work he has done this far at the NHL's disciplinary czar, yet with the playoffs fast approaching, he had better tighten up the ship. The games are only going to get more intense from this point, and players need to firmly know where they stand within the sometimes ambiguous rules of the game.

Snap Shots:

• For the Senators however, they might hope that Anderson's play results in no more than a fine, because he was great last night with a 33 save shutout performance in a key game and they will need him for their playoff push.
• Rookie Dallas Stars forward Alex Chiasson scored two goals last night, leading the way in a 5-2 victory to keep their playoff hopes alive. That's now 5 goals in 5 games to start his career.
• The NCAA college hockey championship final goes tonight with Yale versus Quinnipiac. History is assured to be made, as neither team has won the national title before.
• And we'll finish with your daily gif. The Anderson incident from last night reminded me of just how much the game has changed since the days of Ron Hextall...