Readers Respond: Is the NHL's crackdown on head shots good for the game?

The 2011-12 NHL season opened with tougher rules and stiffer suspensions for boarding and hits to the head. The goal is to improve player safety and reduce concussions.

But media commentators like Mike Milbury and Don Cherry say the new approach risks turning hockey into a no-hit game. Some fans agree.

What do you say? Can the NHL eliminate dangerous hits and remain the tough, physical game that many fans love?

Head Shot March 21,2012 in Chicago

The crack down is only as good as the call by the officials. If there is no will. there will no consequences. Kieth's hit to the head of Daniel Sedin in the game in Chicago had every thing going for it that will hopefully lead to a long suspension. But the bad-o in question was allowed to remain in the game that became a get-even spectical.There could have been 50 black and whites on the ice and if they were not willing to call it as it is, they should be ashamed to look in a mirror. Maybe it is time that every NHL Team gets either one video challenge per game or one each period. That might lead to the game officials earning their money by calling the game each minute it runs instead of overlooking whatever they choose.

—Guest Doug Madden

Head shots

Im very pleased something is being done about head shots. I just have to say that to me a head shot is a cowards way of checking when someone is not looking, any fool can hit someone like that. It takes a real man to go face to face. Lets get back to the original solid body check. Remember the Russion Red Army team - now there was strength under control. I was naturally cheering for Canada but was very impressed by their self control. We dont want to see someone put in a wheelchair.

—Guest John Johnston

Accountability

You can't tell me these pro players cannot control their bodies. BS! I am not a Pen's fan, but look at Marc Savard. Matt Cooke should have been fined heavily and suspended. No question! The hitter, when knocking an opposing player out of the game due to headshots, should spend AT LEAST half as much time suspended as the one that is injured. Remember, goalies (and skaters, for that matter) used to play without masks/helmets. They finally figured out that wasn't smart. The NHL should follow suit with headshots and player accountability.

—schab5

The player's safety should be #1

Yes, I think the NHL can remain the physical sport we love, but also be a safer sport for the players. Crosby's been out for a while now. In the future, situations like these can be avoided if we can find a way to balance physicalness and safety. The uber-roughness is not worth having to watch one of our favorite players sit out for most of a season. So, all in all, I support this 'crackdown' by the heads of the NHL.

—Guest Steven