Analyst Discredits Dirty Hit on Penguins’ Noel Acciari

usatsi_22458283_168388034_lowres

PITTSBURGH – When Pittsburgh Penguins forward Noel Acciari departed the game against the Winnipeg Jets, it was clear that Brenden Dillon might be getting a call from the NHL. The Department of Player Safety announced that Dillon would have a phone hearing for his illegal check to the head against Acciari.

The hearing likely means Dillon will face suspension but no more than five games. ESPN analyst John Buccigross believes Dillon’s hit wasn’t enough to warrant a suspension.

“Didn’t think it was a suspension hit,” Buccigross said in a tweet. “There is not enough physical contact in the game right now.”

When watching the hit again, it’s clear that Dillon’s should makes primary contact with Acciari’s head. That alone is enough to face discipline from the league.

The game has been getting away from physical contact, but there is still plenty of bruising to go around in the NHL. Buccigross is entitled to his opinions, but like head coach Mike Sullivan said after the game, those don’t matter much.

“We can all have opinions on it,” Sullivan said. “But at the end of the day, our opinions don’t really matter.”

No matter what Buccigross thinks of the situation, Dillon is likely facing a decent suspension. Meanwhile the Penguins are likely going to be without a key forward for quite some time.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.

Penguins Lose Key Player to Nasty Injury

Jets Defenseman Facing Suspension After Brutal Hit Against Penguins

Analyst: Jake Guentzel Trade Ends Penguins Cup Hopes

Penguins Keep Record Alive With Oilers Loss

Penguins Respond To Dirty Hit by Jets