Alex Ovechkin should be suspended

In game four of the Stanley Cup Semifinals between Washington and Pittsburgh with about five minutes left in the first period, Washington's Alex Ovechkin hits Sergei Gonchar, resulting in a two-minute minor penalty and Gonchar leaves the ice shaken and doesn't return. Here is a video of the hit:



Now, why is this a suspension-worthy hit. First, it's below the thigh region. It's not a hip-check. He's not going for one like he did on Brooks Orpik in game three. Second, he makes no attempt to slow down and diminish this hit. He hits Gonchar so hard that he spins him on one leg 360 degrees. Third and finally, Ovechkin has a history of performing charges on players. He rarely gets them called because he is Alex Ovechkin, but a statement needs sent that the NHL shouldn't tolerate this stuff from anyone.

He won't get a suspension, no matter how upset this hit makes me. This is the NHL's greatest fantasy come true on the ice rink. This series is single-handedly driving more interest in the NHL. He may get fined like Chris Kunitz, but no suspension is coming. It's disheartening because if this was any other player such as Steve Ott of the Dallas Stars or Donald Brashear of the Washington Capitals, this probably results in a five minute major and maybe a game misconduct. Players should not be allowed to take charges at anyone, no matter who you are or how glorious the hit appears on a highlight reel.