While March Madness brackets are the main focus right now, the online betting world was buzzing recently as the odds on what kind of suspension Alexander Ovechkin would get for his hit on Brian Campbell were being tabulated. The even money was on no suspension, or a light suspension, as the NHL has never shown the necessary fortitude needed to discipline its stars. Ovechkin has a history of what could be classified as questionable hits, but his suspension history does not match.

In the end Ovechkin received a two game suspension, which is hardly ample compensation for putting Brian Campbell out of the lineup for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward and renowned suspended player Steve Downie performed a meticulous move that was intended to injure Sidney Crosby for a long time. In a recent game between the Lightning and the Penguins, Downie strategically placed his knee behind Crosby’s knee and pulled Crosby to the ice. Downie received two minutes, but so far no suspension. Crosby was able to return to the game but the video replay of the incident shows a clear intent to injure that the league should address.

Bruins forward Marc Savard is still recovering from a blatant hit to the head by Pittsburgh Penguin Matt Cooke. Not only was Cooke not suspended for the hit that gave Savard a grade 2 concussion, but the league is not going to suspend him. Savard is out indefinitely as he recovers from the hit.

Earlier in the season Philadelphia Flyers star Mike Richards laid a similar hit to the head on Florida Panther David Booth. Richards was not penalized or suspended for the hits.

The NHL is setting a precedent that many of the players are picking up on. The league is not going to fine or suspend a player for a questionable hit, or if there is a penalty it will be a relatively minor suspension. That kind of enforcement will not help to stop the vicious hits like the one Ovechkin gave to Campbell.