The NHL has just put a new "cheap shot" rule into action that will remain in effect until the end of the 2009-2010 season. The rule was voted in by the NHL Owners, even before the Players Association caught wind of it, but now it appears everyone is on the same page.
"The league will prohibit lateral, back-pressure or blindside hits to an opponent where the head is targeted and/or the principal point of contact."
The picture at the top of is Marc Savard down on the ice after a concussion given to him by Penguins' defenseman Matt Cooke. Watch any highlight of "superstar" Alexander Ovechkin from this past season, and watch how much of a goon he is. I understand he's a great player, and he can score goals like he's drinking a cup of tea, but let's be real, he plays like a scumbag. I bet if you think about it for a second, you can think of a bunch of dirty hits that happened in the past few years that should've prompted this rule sooner.
Cooke on Savard
Ovechkin being his scumbag self
Janssen on Bradley