As expected, the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings season opener was a fast, hard-hitting game and a shining example of a rivalry between two California teams that is alive and well.
The Sharks crushed the Kings by a final score of 5-1 and enjoyed spectacular performances from several players. Sharks fans had plenty to cheer about as the team worked well together and played a full 60-minute game. The new faces acquitted themselves quite well, and San Jose frustrated Los Angeles all night long.
There was, however, one particular play Sharks fans were likely angered with.
Late in the first period, Kings captain Dustin Brown delivered a gruesome hit on Logan Couture that left him with a bloody nose. Couture was able to remain in the game, and even further frustrate the Kings, as he nailed Kings forward Milan Lucic while coming out of the penalty box late in the third, which triggered Lucic to make straight line for Couture. Lucic was given a match penalty for going after him.
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The Brown hit was fairly glossed over by the NBC Sports Network broadcasters and no call was made on the ice, but it wasn’t long before footage of the hit made the rounds, drawing strong opinions from many.
A closer look does not bode well for Brown, who’s already considered public enemy number one in San Jose along with Corey Perry. He is clearly seen crouching before launching his helmet into Couture’s head. He blatantly targets the head and the hit appears intentional, directed, and unnecessary.
Sharks broadcaster Brodie Brazil was quick to give his own opinion, citing the lengthy suspension of Raffi Torres as fuel for similar action to be taken by the league.
41 games? https://t.co/5njHDuH6Vd
— Brodie Brazil (@BrodieNBCS) October 8, 2015
I couldn’t agree more. As many Sharks fans know, Brown has delivered some questionable hits in the past, highlighted by his knee-on-knee hit on Tomas Hertl that knocked him out for the majority of his rookie season.
While this hit clearly should be something the league looks into, it’s not certain at this point whether something will be done. If the league is serious about cracking down on head shots, and not just those delivered by someone with the last name of Torres, then Brown should be in line for some sort of suspension.
In the meantime, Sharks fans would be wise not to hold their breath, as action by the league seems unlikely.
Next: Sharks Dominate Kings In 5-1 Rout