Video: Milan Lucic Cross-Checks Maxim Lapierre In the Head

UPDATE: Lucic Suspended for game 3

In Saturday's recap of Boston's 5-1 dismantling of Montreal, we made mention of the fact Milan Lucic was given a game misconduct as a result of his cross-check to the head of Montreal's Maxim Lapierre. As it turns out, he was actually issued a match penalty which means he is suspended until a disciplinary hearing is held.

Here's the video, with the cross-check coming about 50 seconds in:

The NHL has made it perfectly clear that it's trying to cut down on "message sending" late in games that have already been decided. Philadelphia's Daniel Carcillo, for example, was issued a one-game suspension for his shot to the head of Penguins forward Max Talbot late in game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

With Boston dominating the game -- and the series -- Lucic wasn't "sending a message" here. Instead, he simply reacted to Lapierre charging at him during a late-game skirmish, and gave the Canadiens forward a rather harsh blow to the head. That's not to say he's totally innocent here, just that he wasn't out there to "send a message."

Lucic is best known around the league for his physical style of play -- and crushing, glass-shattering hits -- while Lapierre is no stranger to being on the receiving end of questionable hits to the head.

The series will continue on Monday, in Montreal, as the Bruins hold a commanding 2-0 lead. My guess on the NHL's review: Lucic sits out game 3, and returns for game 4 on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound forward scored 17 goals to go with 25 assists during the regular season.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-19-2009 @ 10:40AM

gfg7180 said...

I agree that it was a reaction cross-check, but he needs to be responsible for his own stick. I am a Bruins fan, but a game suspension is in order.

4-19-2009 @ 8:46PM

brian61201 said...

shut up you liberal!! you ain't no B's fan if you think he should be suspended and if he didn't try and go after Lucic he wouldn't have a sore face today! What about all the cheap stuff the Habs are doing? Eye gouging, come on give me a break! Whats next a Tyson ear bite, know your role, you never say a Bruin should be suspended, then again you probably voted for Obama! Go watch figure skating Nancy!!

4-19-2009 @ 11:15AM

John said...

I'm a Wings fan, so one way or the other I don't really care, but there is something to be said for defending yourself. Some of these guys come flying in, elbows out, sticks up, and honestly, the best way to protect yourself, and curb those kind of runs in the future, is to get your own stick up. If some thug comes in to run your head into the glass, and he gets a face full of composite, he may think twice next time about it. Maybe my being a Wings fan affects my opinion a bit, as other teams are always trying to run us, although Pav doesn't seem to have a problem defending himself with just his shoulder, right Columbus?

4-19-2009 @ 11:34AM

jm4279 said...

Lucic shouldn't be suspended. Montral has been playing dirty for 2 games now. Late hits after Bruins score goals or after whistle blows and Canadiens NEVER get a penalty. It's only right that Lucic should protect himself with the stick to the Canadiens face. Look what that cheap-shot Canadien did to Hunwicks face the other night when the game was over. he didn't get suspended..League has always favored Montreal because NHL officaiting is based out of Montreal and they alweays stick it to Bruins. To hell with the Canadiens and their baby cheap shot antics. Hope Bruins sweep them!!!

4-19-2009 @ 3:19PM

jeff santos said...

i agree with milan lucic shouldn't get suspended maxim lapierre instigated the contact in the first place if milan lucic gets a suspended for a few games then lapierre should get suspended as well it takes 2 to tango

4-19-2009 @ 8:02PM

bighking3 said...

Lapierre was the third man to the fray as usual. Probably thought he could sneak up and give Lucic a cheap shot as the Canadiens have been doing all series. What a shame he gets suspended. That is the latest update. No penalty on cheap shot at games end of course in game one not one just Kessel's play but at the end of the game also. That elbow lands and the Bruin is in the hospital. Nice job NHL how about watching the entire series then youi'd see why Lucic stick was up high. By the way why no third man in for Lapierre. At least the cheap shot artist got what he deserved some lumber to the head. Canadiens stink.

4-20-2009 @ 9:40AM

Jon said...

This is an absolute joke. The league should be ashamed of itself. How can they not review the message sending that Hunwick had to endure at the end of Game 1? It's easy to see that Colin Campbell is pulling for the Habs in this series. Colin, you are ruining the game and should be calling the Canadiens games for Montreal television where your kind of narrow-mindedness and lack of hockey knowledge can be tolerated.

4-22-2009 @ 4:46PM

brian61201, I am not a liberal, because they are always wrong. I am a Rush Limbaugh conservative, which means I know right from wrong and based on the suspension, I am right. As for being a B's fan (40 years) I am pretty sure I know 10 times the history of the Bruins as you. Because I know the sport of hockey and what is right and you go through a game with blinders on means that you are the one who should shut up!!! I bet you are a closet Obama supporter, cuz you sure as hell sound like him.