from Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail,

A decade ago, some of the files currently crossing Shanahan’s desk wouldn’t have been considered for supplementary discipline. They would have been dismissed as hockey plays, nothing more and nothing less.

The NHL is trying to change behaviour and it is proving to be a tough slog, in part because every hit is different and there is no one-size-fits-all disciplinary solution. And the learning curve is proving difficult for some players to absorb.

It wasn’t always this way with Kaleta. He scored 10 goals in an NHL season once (2009-10, you can look it up), reasonable production from a bottom-six forward in 55 games, provided he gives you reasonable in-control, two-way play – the way a handful of reformed serial offenders are doing now (from Matt Cooke to Steve Downie).

Kaleta needs to figure that out, too. Sadly, if his suspension gets reduced in any meaningful way, it will send the absolute wrong message to him – and to every NHL player.

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