c'mon, you know what i'm saying...there are ways to play the puck and ways to get hit. Everyone who's ever played knows that. You have to protect yourself out there and not put yourself in bad situations. Ever heard of a suicide pass? You let the puck go. It is better than getting killed.
It was a penalty. I've stated so. As such, I fault the CC player. Five minutes is just too many for me in that situation. Cross checks to the head in a scrum get two. A punch with helmet and gloves on...two. A Minnesota facewash...two.
As a former player, and a parent, I understand it. It is hard to watch, but to potentially change the outcome of a game based on that? It didn't stop a scoring chance. It wasn't from behind. It wasn't even overly violent.
If you want violence out of the game, watch soccer or join the band.