As we all expected, NHL Player Safety has just announced that Jujhar Khaira will have a hearing today for cross-checking St. Louis’ Vince Dunn in last nights game. If you recall, Jujhar laid a hard, clean hit on Dunn in the corner of the defensive zone in the third period. As they skated to the front of the net, Dunn retaliated by cross-checking Jujhar in the back of the head. Khaira then retaliated back and returned an even harder cross check to Dunn’s head. Jujhar was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for cross-checking, and Dunn was assessed a two minute minor for cross-checking.

A suspension would be disappointing for Khaira as he has eight points in nine games with the Oilers. He was having a very impressive night before he got kicked out. Before you ask, “what about Dunn, he cross-checked Khaira first!?!!?!” Don’t worry baby birds, I’ll feed you. Vince Dunn has already been fined $1942.20 for the cross-check to Khaira. Jujhar’s retaliation cross-check was a lot more vicious than Dunn’s, so I understand why he has a hearing scheduled.

Jujhar Khaira obviously let his emotions get the best of him in this situation. Here we have a one-goal game that can be tied up at any minute, and Khaira loses his cool in the defensive zone. Yes, he was likely extremely frustrated that the Oilers just lost a video review to Patrick Maroon’s goal. Yes, he was likely extremely frustrated that he just got a cross-check to the face by Dunn with no immediate call on the play. BUT, sometimes you just have to take a hit for the team and keep your cool in these situations. Do I blame Khaira for retaliating? No, as I know how hard it is to control your emotions in those types of situations. But the team definitely could have gone without the penalty, as the Blues scored their third goal of the game on that five-minute major.

ON THE OTHER HAND, Jujhar Khaira is an extremely tough dude who is making a good name for himself around the league. He will take on anybody in a fight, and now people know he’ll cross-check you in the face looking for blood if you mess with him. Isn’t that reputation worth to have in exchange for a small suspension or fine? I might be in the minority here, but I don’t mind it. It couldn’t hurt for the league to know that Edmonton has some crazy mother-truckers on their team that won’t take beef from anybody.

My guess is that Khaira gets a one-game suspension. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!