NHL scores 2016: Cody Eakin’s hit just the latest in a run of bad player decisions

Well, it’s been a banner few days for the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. Not only do they have their hands full with Mike Hoffman’s cross-check to the back of Logan Couture’s head, they’ll also likely deal with Cody Eakin and his hit heard around the hockey world.

In probably the biggest moment in an eight-game Thursday night slate — which featured high-scoring games of 5-4 and 4-3 — Eakin ran Henrik Lundqvist on a very, very dangerous hit.

There’s a lot going on, but we’ll keep it simple. Eakin deserves to be suspended, full stop. Sure, Lundqvist took a peek at the incoming Stars’ forward, but Eakin has to pull up there. Eakin had time to hit the brakes, and he didn’t. Whether it was malicious or not, it’s a hit that doesn’t belong in hockey and one that shouldn’t have been made in the first place.

And there’s precedent for a suspension too. Take Andrew Shaw’s hit on Mike Smith in the playoffs back in 2012 that earned the then-Blackhawks’ forward three games.

Considering how the NHL protects its goaltenders, Eakin will likely sit for a handful of games. Lundqvist’s return does help Eakin’s case, but it’s a hit that may have just concussed one of the league’s best netminders.

With the immediate and forceful reaction from social media, it’s clear many want the rulebook thrown at Eakin. And many also say it was just a flop from Lundqvist that shouldn’t have even been penalized. If anything, Eakin should get something for making such a reckless hit and it’s very likely the NHL will make an example out of him for it.

So, be careful out there on social media. The hot takes are smoking.

Ducks 4, Bruins 3
Blackhawks 5, Islanders 4
Coyotes 3, Maple Leafs 2 (SO)
Kings 4, Red Wings 1
Blues 5, Devils 2
Wild 5, Predators 2
Jets 4, Panthers 3 (SO)
Rangers 2, Stars 0

* * *

* * *

1. Auston Matthews is ready for his return to Arizona

We are less than a week out from Matthews’ first professional game in his home state of Arizona and we’ve already got a taste of what it could be like. The Coyotes visited the Maple Leafs on Thursday, and Matthews of course scored a goal.

Even better is his mom’s reaction to it all.

Yeah, we can’t wait until next week.

2. Things aren’t looking good in Detroit

After just a one-goal, 18-shot performance against the Kings and Peter Budaj, Detroit has lost six of their last eight games. Not only do the Red Wings have three goals in their last four games, they also have just two regulation wins in almost two months.

As such, they’ve slid to just two points from the bottom of the Atlantic Division. That playoff streak isn’t looking so good right now.

3. Minnesota is still hot

Lost in the Metropolitan Division’s dominance have been the Minnesota Wild, who are on a six-game win streak after a 5-2 victory over the Predators. Despite just getting 19 shots on Pekka Rinne, the Wild were able to ride a 35-save performance from Vezina frontrunner Devan Dubnyk. Since going on this run, the Wild have moved into second place in the Central, just six points behind the Blackhawks.

Blackhawks kept the Wild at bay after going three for three on the power play, including this gem of a tic-tac-toe between some of Chicago’s greatest offensive weapons.

Talk about some fun coincidence.