One interesting fact is that Vlasic's kneeing call was on Red Wings Elmer Soderblom. He is the brother of Arvid Soderblom, a goaltender for Chicago who was not playing last night. Detroit's Simon Edvinsson attempted to go after Vlasic after the hit, but was restrained by the referees. Vlasic would end up with five for kneeing, another two for roughing and a game misconduct.
Soderblom was ok, and finished the game as Detroit downed the Blackhawks 6-1. We now await word on whether the NHL's Department of Player Safety might get involved and decide the hit deserves further discipline in the form of a fine and/or suspension. It doesn't appear to be intentional, but Player Safety has the luxury of added angles and multiple perspectives.
