If there was any question about the intent behind the elbow to the head that Islanders defenseman Thomas Pock delivered against Ottawa rookie forward Ryan Shannon in the Isles' 3-1 win Thursday night, Pock laid it to rest immediately after the game when he discussed the incident with reporters. Without any equivocation whatsoever, Pock took full responsibility, blaming himself and expressing his best wishes for Shannon's health.
In that same manner, Pock accepted the five-game suspension the league handed down today. “I understand why there is a need for the league to enforce a strict policy on hits to the head," Pock said in a statement released by the Islanders. "I have reached out to Ryan to apologize and I hope he makes a quick recovery.”
The NHL is cracking down on head injuries this season. The diminutive Shannon lowered his head just before getting caught by Pock's elbow, which knocked him out. Pock was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct, and now, the suspension will cost him $17,943.55 in salary, which goes to the Players Emergency Assistance Fund.
In his postgame interview, Pock said, "I didn't mean to hit him like that. I've got to give him a call later. I've known Ryan for a long time. I played against him in college. It was a bad play. That's all I can say about it. I hope he's all right."
Pock's suspension begins with a rematch against the Senators Saturday night at Nassau Coliseum , and he is eligible to return to the lineup on Nov. 26 against Pittsburgh. But there might not be a roster spot open at that time. Defenseman Radek Martinek was activated off the injured reserve list to replace Pock in the lineup. That leaves two top Isles defensemen, Brendan Witt and Freddy Meyer, on the injured list.
The statement released by the Islanders also included a comment from general manager Garth Snow about the penalty. “We understand the league’s position in respect to cracking down on hits to the head and we agree with their objectives," Snow said. "It was an unfortunate incident and we hope Ryan can return to the ice quickly.”
Comments (7)
I think the suspension is fair when compared to Rutu. They have to take into consideration if the other player got injured. In Rutu's case the other player didn't miss a shift.
The Islanders organization has gone up a notch after the firing of Barry Melrose after 16 games. I think most coaches would take the Islanders over Tampa Bay now.
If the Islanders just stick to a direction, they will get better at all levels.
Kevin T.
19 ISLES..It's only a touchdown, a two ponit conversion and a field goal away.
STEADY....How is that you go on and on singing the praises of JMAC and then at the end say "FIRE SNOW".
Who signed JMAC?
You can't have it both ways, brother...........Sir William
SW ... now that you put it that way .... LOL!
SW,
Yes I can have it both ways ...I can praise Bailey but say fire Snow and I can praise JMAC and then say fire Snow - the reason I can do this is because I'm a pompus tool ....
SW, haven't you noticed that this blog used to have so many people posting here, but now there are a precious few? The reason is because people are tired of reading my hypocracies and nonsense so they've gone elsewhere ...
Funny stuff troll...Keep it up chicken little
S.W - Same way you can rip JMac and stick up for Snowy, I can stick up for Jmac and rip Snow....Same thing no ???
I want Snow fired...No doubt...Yet, I will not lie about what I see. Facts are facts....Jmac is a good back up and Bailey has a nice hockey sense on the ice....Does that mean I would not rather of had one of the Top Five picks....No. Does that mean I would not rather have a new Gm...No
I want Snow fired. I have said my reasons why, and I am in no way asking for any of you to change your stance on the matter. Your opinions make this forum fun.
The trolls make it childish.
All regs know where I'll be tonight , so stop by for a toot.
SW- The idea of Snow being a GM was laughable to the entire league; and , the decison maker in that hiring is bordering on lunacy. Thus, if there is a focus on reversing this horrendous decision, so be it. I cant stress enough how pathetic Snows ascent to GM is/was.
This season is a rebulding year, again. Snow is not capable and we need another GM to get used to the young talent(or dearth of) .
Firing Snow is not capitulating, its progression!
We need Fritz back up as well...give the guy some ice time.
Great game the other night and I hope they do well in the next one too.Okposo looks better and better for every game,very promising."Young" Tambellini on the other hand has done his in the line up for a time now.He's week and losing pucks every other shift.I've got a swift for you.I vaguely remember a good player from last year,what was his name again?Oh yes,Blake Comeau,pick him up!