Rutherford: proposal 'step in right direction'

While some will say the NHL's general managers didn't take a strong enough stand on eliminating hits to the head this week, the Canes' Jim Rutherford said a proposal offered today is a "step in the right direction." The GMs, after video presentations and much discussion, after going through reams of information, recommended today that a rules change be made to curtail blindside hits to the head. The proposal read: "A lateral, back pressure or blindside hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and or the principal point of contact is not permitted. A violation of the above will result in a minor or major penalty and shall be reviewed for possible supplemental discipline." "When we reviewed these severe hits, most came from the lateral side or what's better known as the blindside," Rutherford said today after returning from the meetings in Boca Raton, Fla. "Players will have to adapt to this rules change and I think they wi...