Intentional or accidental? That is the question hanging over people's heads after Dennis Wideman cross-checked a linesman in the back during the second period of the Flames game against the Predators on Wednesday.
NHL player Dennis Wideman knocks linesman to the ice on way to bench
This hit may be getting a second look by the league.
Dennis Wideman looked like he straight-up checked the linesman. pic.twitter.com/iau1Jd7Vaf
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) January 28, 2016
The initial hit looks reckless upon first glance, as it seems Wideman casually skates over to linesman Don Henderson on his way to the bench before decking him with a hard hit to the back near the boards. Henderson was in certain discomfort on the ice but remained in the game after the hit.
But, was the cross-check by Wideman a merely careless act, or was it caused by something else? Taking a look at a few seconds before the hit, Wideman takes a big check into the boards from Predators forward Miikka Salomaki.
Wideman could have possibly been dazed from the collision and had no idea of who he was running into. Maybe he did know because he was angry about the hit. Or maybe it’s just some combination of the above.
Here’s an alternate angle of the hit:
Alternate angle of Wideman/linesman. pic.twitter.com/Ne3b9Nr2OF
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) January 28, 2016
Wideman did end up apologizing to Henderson after the incident, but no word if he’ll receive supplemental discipline for the hit.
I can confirm Wideman did apologize to linesman Don Henderson in the first TV timeout following his hit
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) January 28, 2016
UPDATE: Despite staying in the game, Henderson spent the night in the hospital with neck pains and nausea.
Breaking: linesman Don Henderson was in hospital until 5 am following hit by Wideman, dealing w neck pain & nausea. Concussion protocol done
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) January 28, 2016
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