CSI: Montreal

I take the same stance as Charlie in regards to the Montreal police opening an investigation into the hit by Mr. Chara that concussed and fractured a vertebra in Mr. Max Pacioretty's neck.  As much as I love the gruesomeness and guts that the NHL brings to the sports world, more so than any other sport in the world besides rugby, I don't applaud career threatening injuries.  However, if I were a member of the MPD the first place I would look for evidence in this 'ongoing criminal investigation' would be the user friendly, video conglomerate, YouTube.

 Here's a key piece of the puzzle that I think can help solve this case. It looks to be surveillance footage of Mr. Pacioretty being a pest after scoring the game-winning OT goal exactly 3 months prior to the alleged incident that has resulted in the outcry from Canadians' fans, police force, and Mr. Pacioretty himself.

At approximately the 1:15 mark of this clip, we see the plaintiff, Mr. Pacioretty, committing a petty crime against the defendant, Mr. Chara.  At the time of March 8th's incident, when Mr. Pacioretty is clocked into the stanchion, the alleged attacker is listed at 6'9", 255 lbs. and the victim is believed to be a generous 6'2", 208 lbs. To me this all boils down to a much larger and more physical player in Mr. Chara, finishing the play on a smaller, more finesse player in Mr. Pacioretty. 

In my filed report, I am claiming that Mr. Chara may have had previous motive to act out on Mr. Pacioretty for his bush league stunt early in January, however, that is not an ample reason for the Montreal police to prosecute Mr. Chara at this time.  Mr. Chara was given due process of the law in his ejection from Tuesday night's game and the resulting injuries to Mr. Pacioretty, were not due to the gross negligence of Mr. Zdeno Chara, the Boston Bruins, or the NHL. An additional note that may be pertinent to this investigation is that this game is fast, physical, and there is always a risk for the potential of injury, but beyond the actions of one Mr. Marty McSorley or Mr. Todd Bertuzzi, this is not enough to charge Mr. Chara.

Case Closed.

-Patrick