Chara’s Intent to Injure Pacioretty
In a photo published in Journal de Montreal, the intent of Chara to injure Pacioretty is clearly displayed by the position of both arms as the check is made. Chara’s right arm holds his stick parallel to the top of the boards. His left arm and glove, removed from the top of his stick, after the shoving crosscheck motion, pushes the side of Pacioretty’s face into the turnbuckle, which is bent upon impact. Using his large body and stick, Chara rubs out Paciorettty, giving him nowhere to move to escape the hit, while his left hand and extended arm (notice the six inches of exposed flesh) then clearly guides his head to the vulnerable positioning of the glass.
It completely defies logic to suggest that had the glass partition not been there, there would be no injury to speak of. It’s a race for the puck and it happens hundreds of times a night. All it takes is one little thing to go wrong and you’re flirting with disaster. Ultimately, you are responsible for your actions and Chara, whether intentional or not, should have been suspended indefinitely by the league just like Bertuzzi was when he hit Moore. Mike Murphy said “I could not find any evidence to suggest that Chara targeted the head of his opponent.” What the fuck is that left arm on Pacioretty’s head… was Chara caressing his cheek? I think someone should beat Mike Murphy to a pulp.
Canadiens goaltender Price, “Everybody’s aware of what’s what out there. I don’t care what anybody says, you’re aware of your surroundings. It’s your job out there to know what’s where. But the game does happen fast. He’s a big guy, he’s a big physical presence, and he can hurt somebody if somebody’s not paying attention. ”
The latest news confirms Pacioretty suffered a severe concussion and non-displaced fracture of 4th cervical verterbrae. Let’s hope Max Pacioretty will play hockey again someday, however most experts are calling it a career-ending injury.