Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin facing suspension for major hit to opponents head

The NHL has been focusing a lot of attention on a few very violent incidents that have occurred during this very physical preseason. As teams get ready for the regular season, some seem to go overboard; this has led to high-intensity moments that many fans and commentators weren't prepared for. The Toronto Maple Leafs versus Detroit Red Wings game last night was one of those that always sparks discussions about the nature of preseason hockey.

Just over seven minutes remained in the third quarter when Dylan Larkin of Detroit gave Toronto's Marshall Rifai a clear blow to the head. At least according to the referees, who some may argue were being fairly generous with the call, Larkin received a two-minute minor penalty for an illegal check to the head during the play. Fortunately, Rifai was unharmed during the play and didn't lose any time due to the force of the hit.

Dylan Larkin has a history of being involved in dubious hits, so this has drawn some criticism. Larkin, who is quick and skilled, recently expressed that he hasn't yet hit his full potential. It's possible that his reputation for making physical plays that go too far is overshadowing any player development he is going through. This incident is a further addition to the pattern of behavior that begs many questions about whether he needs to start considering rethinking his approach on the ice.

The NHL preseason is a time when teams test players and work out their strategies; one would not anticipate this kind of hit. It appears that a "trimmed-down" preseason may be discussed, as NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has recently discussed the possibility of altering the preseason setup. As their concern over needless injuries and aggressive play intensifies before the season actually begins, the league's board of governors would likely discuss this matter in subsequent meetings.

The idea of increasing the number of regular season games from 82 to 84 is also being discussed. With the way things are going and the likelihood of more teams entering the NHL in the near future, such expansion is a real possibility. It remains to be seen if these adjustments will result in a safer and more productive preseason, but it is obvious that the league needs to find a way to balance player safety with a high level of competition.