NHL Barely Suspending Oilers' Zack Kassian for Kicking Sharp Skate at Opponent is Unforgivable

The NHL has done everything in its power to prevent out-of-control fights, excessive violence and otherwise reckless behavior on the ice these last several seasons, but its most recent suspension ruling goes against th

In a scoreless game Thursday, Oilers forward Zack Kassian got tangled up with Lightning defender Erik Cernak in the first period. Saturday afternoon league offiicals announced that Kassian would be suspended for just seven games for kicking the sharp end of his skate in the direction of Cernak.

In Tampa Bay's offensive zone, Kassian challenged Cernak up against the boards before a teammate came crashing in and all three players fell to the ice. Kassian, however, used his skate to kick off of the chest of Cernak in attempt to remove himself from the pile.

It may not look so malicious or dangerous in a full-speed replay, but you never know what could have happened if Cernak were in a slighly different position when he made this decision. If the NHL is trying to prioritize player safety and protection, it needs to revist this case and others like it to set a clear precedent moving forward.

The key is that something could have gone seriously, seriously wrong here.

Last month, Kassian picked up a separate two-game suspension for taking a blindside hit a little too personally. Physical hockey brings out the best in some players, but in situations like these, the NHL needs to act unequivocally in the interest of safety.