Enraged Daley likens penalty-filled game to 'special teams practice'

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Trevor Daley is the latest player to speak ill of the NHL's crackdown on slashing and faceoff violations.

On Wednesday, the Red Wings dropped a 6-5 overtime decision to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a game that saw the clubs combine for an outrageous 16 penalties and five power-play goals.

The teams were shorthanded for a combined 22:24, or more than an entire period's worth, which to Daley makes the game nearly unwatchable.

"Anybody who watched this game, that was not an NHL hockey game," Daley said, according to Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "That was a special teams practice.

"It's hard to call that a hockey game," Daley said. "I don't know what they're going to do about it, but I hope it's not here to stay."

Daley isn't the first player to criticize the league's crackdown. Earlier in the week, Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand called the crackdown "an absolute joke."

On the other hand, Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz feels the strict stance on stick infractions - such as slashing - aren't a bad idea.

"You've got to learn," Schultz said. "You can't be slashing. I'm sure it's going to calm down before the regular season, but it's good for everyone to keep your sticks down. Don't want broken fingers or hands."

For the time being, it seems Daley and those fed up with the new standard for penalties will have to get used to it or be ready to spend a lot more time on special teams.

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