Franzen and Williams both oppose banning all hits to the head. They believe players should be punished only for blindside hits to the head. Franzen cited the hit delivered by Philadelphia’s Mike Richards on Florida’s David Booth earlier this season as a prime example of what needs to be eliminated.
“They see the guy is going to turn (away) and they get the shoulder in and they know they’re going to hit the head,’’ Franzen said. “Those (like Richards’ hit) are the dangerous ones. They don’t know you’re coming and you can really hurt someone. They should show some respect and lower the shoulder a bit and go for their shoulder.’’
Williams said Cooke’s hit was dirty. No penalty was called on the shoulder to the head check made partially from behind.
“The same players keep doing it,’’ Williams said. “It was a blindside hit.
“If it’s a head-on collision and the guy has his head down, that shouldn’t be a penalty. The blindsides are the ones to get rid of.’’
Players cite the game’s increasing speed, caused in part by the league’s post-lockout crackdown on obstruction, and players’ tendency to put themselves in a vulnerable position as reasons for the increase in head shots. But Williams believes players still must show more respect for one another on the ice.
“You see hits like (Cooke’s) and wonder what the (fighting) instigator rule is doing,’’ Williams said. “Seven or eight years ago, you never talked about head shots because if it happened, it would be taken care of. Now guys are doing it knowing nothing is going to happen to them. They might get suspended two or three games. Big deal.’’
He suggested lengthier bans in the 15- and 20-game range for repeat offenders.
“It’s a game you want to play hard, but if you got a chance to finish a check and the guy is in a vulnerable position, maybe think about laying off a little bit,’’ Williams said. “I don’t think (Cooke) tried to lay off.’’