Kulikov facing suspension from the NHL for his dirty hit on Wennberg

Just two games into the Eastern Conference final, and it's been nothing short of remarkable. It feels like old-time hockey with hard and heavy hitting. While many hits have been legal, there have also been quite a few incidents that push or cross the line.

Take the hit by Florida Panthers' Dmitry Kulikov on New York Rangers' Alex Wennberg, for example. From one angle, it looks like Kulikov launched himself at Wennberg. But from another angle, you can see he kept his elbow in and lifted one leg to take a stride, not to gain more momentum. But is this type of hit, if not this specific hit, suspension-worthy?

As a follower of the game, it's refreshing to see hits like this reviewed. While the core of the game shouldn't change, it's important to have a way to review these incidents.

Kulikov was suspended earlier this season for 2 games for the following dangerous hit to the head so it will be interesting to see how the league decides to proceed with this one.

The game today is faster than ever, and players who don't keep their heads up will get hit. Was this a case of a player going for the puck without knowing who was around him? It sure seemed like it. If the league wants to ensure player safety, they need to make sure everyone knows they play a role in maintaining it.

As seen on bladeofsteel
Panthers Kulikov may face suspension for headshot on Rangers Wennberg