NHL "Common Law"

I took a look at Rick Rypien's tussle-shove move with a Minnesota Wild fan this morning. Not to say I was horrified, but I was confused at what must have been going through Rypien's mind at that point to endanger a fan like that.

That whole scenario was just strange, and it may involve strange judgment.

Regardless, now the ball's in Colin Campbell's court. As we all know, his wheel of justice isn't exactly a really sturdy one. It seems to land on all of the most random places. Speculation says that Rypien either gets 8-10 games, as per James Mirtle, Bob McKenzie and Darren Dreger, and as little as 5 games from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.

I think he deserves more.

And, it's time this case sets the precedent. One thing that has been missing from the NHL is the concept of "common law"--using past precedents to lay out judgment for the future. If any other player gets in a tussle with a fan, it's no discussion, it's "x" games. If it's a blindside hit, Campbell should just look at what Shane Doan did over the weekend, and say bam, 3 games. Nice and easy. If they're repeat offenders, add two, and say that's the precedent.

It's time for precedents. Case-to-case bases add for way too much scrutiny, which we already know through Campbell's interviews on NHL Live, he absolutely hates when people question his judgments. But why shouldn't we? He probably rolls a dice to figure these out.

If Campbell gives a 5 game suspension, or less, then he needs to stick to that. Then, and only then, it'll be fair. But I think this punishment deserves 8-10 games, maybe even more. It's unacceptable to threaten the safety of the fans, which can exercise their speech rights. If only the players heard what's said in the upper levels of the arena. They'd be brawling then.

That's beside the point. We'll see what Campbell, and the rest of the NHL hands out for Rypien. But before you overreact, wait for the next instance. Then we'll just see if it's fair.

-Jordan