Suspension or no?

OK, it's wait-and-see time on the Mike Ribeiro-Chris Osgood situation.
Coach Dave Tippett said he watched the replay afterward, and Osgood hit Ribeiro with the butt end of his stick before Ribeiro whirled and had his two-handed slash to Osgood's chest. So I wonder how much the NHL has to look at Osgood's actions as well as Ribeiro's.

Ribeiro's reaction was not smart, obviously. But what's the first reaction when someone hits you in the face? I don't know. I listened in on the ESPN review of it, and Barry Melrose said Ribeiro should't be suspended. He said Osgood's action was far more dangerous. But it's the NHL which makes the final call. Here's what I'm thinking: Osgood gets a game, Ribeiro more. Just wonder if the NHL will make sure both get a message out of this. But as I said, can't truly figure what the final assessment will be. I know Colin Campbell was in the building.

Either way, the Stars missed some big chances in this one, especially early. You have to score on a 4 on 1. You cannot give up a goal immediately on the other end.
So we're looking at 0-2 now. Not good, especially if Ribeiro's out. And if Jere Lehtinen is out for any amount of time with that leg injury (I'm still stunned it wasn't a noggin problem after that collision with Morrow). We'll see what the next game or two brings.

Comments

[Dave]

Is Ribiero OK from being hit in the face? Didn't Norstrom miss 13 games this season from an orbital bone fracture from the butt end of Turco's stick?