No Discipline For Eric Nystrom on Kris Letang Hit

The word from Frisco this morning is that the Dallas Stars' Eric Nystrom will not be subject to any supplementary discipline from the NHL for his hit on Pittsburgh Penguin defenseman Kris Letang Wednesday night.

Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning news got this quote from Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk this morning. "They just said they had looked at it and there were no grounds for a suspension,'' said Nieuwendyk. "It was just a hockey play, that's how I saw it.'' [DMN]

Razor took to twitter today to defend Nystrom, citing the part of the NHL rule book that says "However, in determining whether such a hit should have been permitted, the circumstances of the hit, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit or the head contact on an otherwise legal body check was avoidable, can be considered."

Eric Nystrom defended himself last night, saying "I'm coming in on the forecheck, I am going in to play the man and he is reaching in for the puck. I didn't even touch his head, I hit him shoulder-to-shoulder," said Nystrom "I had four minor penalties coming into this game. I am not a headhunter."

Nystrom has received a number of threats against his person on Twitter from angry fans - An unfortunate side effect of what is otherwise a great avenue to interact with the public.

Whether you agree or not, the league's silence in not even having a hearing or a phone call one on one with Nystrom (that we know of) is a loud statement in and of itself. It was a hockey play. We all wish Kris Letang the best in his recovery from whatever injury may have been sustained last night. Time to put this to bed quickly and focus on Edmonton.

The hit sparked quite a discussion on the internet, as well as the set of NBC Sports Network's intermission show. You can see video of both here, as Mike Milbury and Jeremy Roenick "have words."