Amherst, NY (WGR 550) -- A big topic in Florida this week for the NHL General Managers is head shots. Many high hits might not be penalties, but are cheap shots that give players concussions. Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke just put Boston's Marc Savard on a stretcher with a blind side head shot. Pat Kaleta has been suspended by the NHL for hitting from behind, but he tries to keep his hits clean and under control.
"You've got to protect the players, for myself, I never intend on hitting somebody in the head. I take pride in my hits and a clean hit is for myself just as good as a goal. My job does walk a fine line, but I just have to do it clean and play the game." Asked if it's gone too far Kaleta said, "Yes, you see circumstances where it could be avoided. I watch video and sometimes you're in the moment and into the game and you need a big hit, but we have to clean it up a little bit and not have people injured or taken off on a stretcher or have a concussion for the rest of the year. The players know and we know that you should play clean and it's our job and we want to have a long, healthy career and I think one way of helping that cause would be no head shots."
As far as it totally leaving the game Kaleta said, "You're going to have plays where it just happens, no chance of preventing it. If I'm going in for a puck and digging down and a guy comes in against me and hits my head, it's not always going to be on purpose, but you just have to be more aware of it and I think if we have more awareness for players in the danger zone where their head is vulnerable, then I think we can clean it up a little bit."
Thomas Vanek was not on the ice for Tuesday's Sabre practice at the Pepsi Center in Amherst. Lindy Ruff called it a maintenance day. When asked if Vanek will play tomorrow Ruff said, "I hope so."
Paul Gaustad was practicing on a non contact basis. Gaustad skated on a line with Mike Grier and Tim Kennedy. Gaustad is coming off of a shoulder injury, suffered during a fight with Mike Rupp in a loss to the Penguins last week. He will not play against the Stars.
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