Looks like Chris Pronger is now in the "goon" category after his stomping actions toward Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kessler.

While many commentators will skate around this label given Pronger's pedigree, however it's difficult to defend his acrions. 

It's not the first time Pronger gets himself in trouble and the truth is that his past infractions were met with a "boys will be boys" attitude. Why? Can it be because Pronger is one of the best defensemen in the NHL? A darling who represented Canada on the international stage?

Nah.

Well, the NHL certainly sent that message today when they ridiculously chose to not suspend him.

Geez, you would think a blade being used as a weapon would be a touchy subject among the big wigs - especially after what happened to Richard Zednik - but no. 

Does anyone see the hypocrisy in all this? They throw the book at Chris Simon for a similar infraction but let Pronger of the hook.

And what the heck is going on in the minds of these puck heads when they do such things? 

The NHL should have a ZERO tolerance policy towards this nonsense. It's dangerous and it's stupid. There's nothing nuanced in the play that can help defend or even rationalize it. 

Pronger should have been suspened.

Colin Campbell messed this one up - badly.

Note: Since we wrote this the NHL decided, upon a second review, to suspend Pronger for eight games.

Looks like ISW has some influence. Cough.

Now to do something about that darn instigator rule.