Sharks’ reactions vary to lack of Chara suspension | Working the Corners
The NHL’s decision not to suspend Boston’s Zdeno Chara for the hit that seriously injured Montreal’s Max Pacioretty is being second-guessed by everyone from Air Canada, which is making noise about withdrawing as a sponsor, to Montreal law enforcement officials, who are looking into criminal prosecution. But in the Sharks locker room, there wasn’t much outrage […]. There was the suggestion that the NHL went soft on Chara because he plays for the Bruins, who also include Greg Campbell — son of league disciplinarian Colin Campell, who recused himself from this particular case. […]Later, Thornton talked about the fact this case involved his former team, the Bruins. “Something about Boston and disciplinary action, they’re on their side,” Thornton said. “I’m not sure why that is. I’m not assuming Colin’s kid is on the team and that’s why, but it’s really bizarre.”
Ben Eager, who was suspended for four games earlier this season while playing with the Atlanta Thrashers, was less diplomatic when asked about the lack of a suspension for Chara. “I wasn’t surprised because he plays for Boston. I know there’ve been a few incidents with that team and no suspension,” Eager said. “It’s kind of ironic because his son plays for that team.”
We’ve all heard the speculation from fans and pundits that Boston gets preferential treatment, but this is the first time I’ve noticed the players voicing it. Maybe I just haven’t been paying attention. Or maybe the players are just as influenced by the talking heads as the fans are. But is it just me, or is this a new level of suspicion? (I’ve always more or less assumed that the league officials were more likely to be incompetent than corrupt, but maybe I’m being naive.)