Reaction to Keith’s high stick on Carter

The issue of supplemental discipline has been raised again in the Western Conference Finals, with Duncan Keith’s knee-jerk response to a post-jostle slash from Jeff Carter being a one-handed swat with his stick to the Kings forward’s face.

Here’s an update from NHL.com Senior Writer Dan Rosen:

And some reaction from TSN insider Bob McKenzie:

Keep in mind Keith was suspended for five games in March, 2012 for the elbow on Daniel Sedin that caused an injury and removed the Vancouver forward from the Kings-Canucks first round series for the first three games. That incident could have an effect on the severity of any judgment handed down by the NHL Department of Player Safety.

The players’ and coaches’ responses:

Justin Williams
“Obviously it was a dirty play, but I’m not sure that Keith meant to do it that hard. Looked like he wanted to go make sure he was okay after. I think it was more of an instinct thing. But I don’t think it was a malicious intent, no.”

Rob Scuderi
“I just saw it on the replay. It’s certainly a play you don’t want to see, but I think if he really wanted to whack him, he probably could’ve taken two hands and done something else. That’s the ref’s call. It’s not mine.”

Darryl Sutter
“I didn’t think it was a four-minute penalty. Thought it was a wrong call.

“Retaliation. That’s three head injuries now in the playoffs for us. I don’t know how to answer it. It’s retaliation with a stick. It’s not a high stick. Whatever they want to call it, they’ll call it. Don’t even need video.”

Duncan Keith
“Yeah it was accidental. Obviously I wanted to give him a tap but not where I got him. I felt bad. I’m glad to see that he came back. It was just a scuffle. It was an accident.

“I have no idea [if the league will take a look]. I said it was an accident.”

Joel Quenneville
“Well, you know, we took five penalties tonight, probably four too many. We have to be smarter in that area. You get the building rocking with them having momentum, having chances around our net. But you have to stay out of the box. [Reporter: Did you think it was worth four minutes?] Four minutes is a high stick with a cut.”

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