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A cubist interpretation of the dangerous high hit that sidelined a star NHL player, exposing the league’s need for more consistent player safety policies.Anaheim Today
Montreal Canadiens forward Kirby Dach sustained an upper-body injury after a high hit from Anaheim Ducks winger Jeffrey Viel during a recent NHL game. The incident has sparked debate about player safety and the league’s disciplinary measures, especially in light of a similar high-profile hit just days earlier that resulted in a suspension for Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.
Why it matters
The lack of a penalty for Viel’s hit on Dach raises concerns about consistency in NHL disciplinary actions, which can lead to confusion and frustration among players, teams, and fans. Player safety should be the top priority, and the league needs to establish clearer guidelines and ensure consistent application of disciplinary measures to send a strong message that such dangerous hits will not be tolerated.
The details
The hit occurred early in the first period of the March 15, 2026 game between the Canadiens and Ducks. Dach was attempting to play the puck when Viel delivered the high hit, sending Dach to the ice in pain before he slowly made his way to the bench and eventually the dressing room. Just three days prior, Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas had ended Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews’ season with a devastating knee-on-knee hit, resulting in a five-game suspension for Gudas.
The incident occurred on March 15, 2026 during a game between the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks.Just three days prior, on March 12, 2026, Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas delivered a high hit that ended Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews’ season.
The players
Kirby Dach
A forward for the Montreal Canadiens who sustained an upper-body injury from the high hit.
Jeffrey Viel
A winger for the Anaheim Ducks who delivered the high hit on Dach.
Radko Gudas
A defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks who delivered a high hit that ended Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews’ season just three days prior to the Dach incident.
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What’s next
The NHL will likely review the incident and determine if any disciplinary action should be taken against Viel for the hit on Dach. The league will also need to address the broader issues of player safety and consistency in its disciplinary process.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the need for the NHL to establish clearer guidelines and ensure consistent application of disciplinary measures to protect player safety and maintain the integrity of the game.