Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn.ca. Hi Kerry, During Tuesday nights Pens/Caps game, Tom Wilson got a five-minute penalty for charging Brayden Schenn. Nicklas Grossmann then turned and started a fight with Wilson. Despite not having to travel any distance, he clearly threw the first punch, had the gloves off first and fought him as retribution for a previous incident in the game or season, all of which would be grounds for an instigator penalty. Yet none was given. Why wasnt there one given? Thanks,Kyle Reid --- What is your take on the Wilson hit on Schenn from Washington vs. Philadelphia game? Some say 100 per cent clean hit and others say its a suspension! Thanks for reading!Bob Haynes Kyle and Bob: Following the devastating and violent hit that Tom Wilson delivered on Brayden Schenn it was actually Wilson that dropped his gloves first to be at the ready in anticipation of the Flyers cavalry that was guaranteed to charge. Nicklas Grossmann moved toward the Caps player with gloves and stick in hand. Wilsons gloves hit the ice. Even when the two players locked on Grossmanns gloves were still evident on his hands as Wilson attempted to throw some punches from tight quarters. In spite of the fact that Grossmann approached Wilson following the hit (minimal distance travelled) - but more based on Wilsons quick response mentioned above - the Referee appropriately deemed an instigator penalty was not warranted. Bob, this was a 100 per cent illegal hit. Tom Wilson approached Brayden Schenn with excessive speed from a considerable distance which results in a charging violation (Rule 42.1 - Charging shall mean the actions of a player who, as a result of distance travelled, shall violently check an opponent in any manner). Even though Schenn took a peek and simultaneously made a slight turn to avoid the contact, Wilson actually accelerated in the last eight-to-10 feet, rendering the Flyer player virtually defenceless. The accelerated speed and extra finish that Wilson exerted through the hit caused Schenn to crash violently into the end boards with significant impact to Schenns head. A boarding violation also occurred on this play (Rule 41.1 - A boarding penalty shall be imposed on any player who checks or pushes a defenseless opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to hit or impact the boards violently or dangerously. The severity of the penalty, based on the impact with the boards, shall be at the discretion of the Referee). I would hope every referee in the league would exercise their most responsible discretion and deem Schenns impact with the boards as violent and excessive resulting in a major and game misconduct being assessed on this play. Potential suspension - who knows? Rule 41 goes on to say that, "The onus is on the player applying the check to ensure his opponent is not in a defenceless position and if so, he must avoid or minimize contact." Tom Wilson was committed beyond just making the hit, as proven by the acceleration and finish factor on the play. There was no consideration given to avoid Schenn or to slow down and minimize contact. It was full speed ahead! Let me highlight the escape clause in the rule when consideration is given to whether a suspension is warranted on dangerous hits such as this. From Rule 41.1, "However, in the determining whether such contact could have been avoided, the circumstances of the check, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the check or whether the check was unavoidable can be considered." Schenn snuck a peek an instant before impact and recognized a missile in the form of Tom Wilson was hunting him down. This caused Schenn to veer slightly or attempt to turn as an avoidance tactic. The Player Safety Committee will give strong consideration to this element of the play in defense of Tom Wilsons actions. At least in this case, the ambiguity written into rule places considerable and undue responsibility on the victim of such a violent hit. 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"Im not going to keep asking questions. Im going to go out there and run with it and see what happens." Jose Reyes hit an RBI single in his first game since opening day, when he strained his left hamstring in his first at-bat of the season and went on the disabled list. Corey Kluber (1-2) allowed five runs in 6 2-3 innings. Dioner Navarro drove in three runs. Run-scoring singles by Jose Bautista and Navarro in the first put Toronto ahead, which was more than enough for Buehrle against the struggling Indians, who have lost seven of nine. Navarro added a two-run single in the seventh that chased Kluber. Buehrle gave Torontos overworked bullpen a much-needed breather. The Blue Jays played a doubleheader Thursday in Minnesota and needed four relievers in Fridays 3-2 win over the Indians. "Hes good, thats all there is to it," said Toronto manager John Gibbons. Indians manager Terry Francona agreed. 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Following a passed ball by catcher Yan Gomes and a groundout that moved Bautista to third, Navarros groundball took a bad hop and glanced off Swishers chest for a hit. Reyes two-out single up the middle scored Brett Lawrie and gave Toronto a 3-0 lead in the second. "Im really happy just to be back, be with my teammates, see my guys again," Reyes said. "Im happy that Im going to be on the field and play and do what I love to do, just play baseball." The Indians had two baserunners in the first and second, but Buehrle worked around trouble both times. Murphys single and a walk to Mike Aviles finally ended his day, but Esmil Rogers struck out Asdrubal Cabrera and Swisher before Jason Kipnis flied out. NOTES: Reyes initially was injured during spring training, then got hurt on opening day. He rehabbed his leg in Florida and missed 16 games. He batted .296 last season for Toronto, but missed 66 games with a sprained left ankle. ... Santana was hitless in four at-bats is 3 for 40 in his last 10 games. ... Bautista has reached safely in all 18 games. ... Gomes has committed five errors and three passed balls in 16 games. ... Blue Jays DH Juan Francisco, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Buffalo earlier in the day when Adam Lind went on the disabled list with a sore back, had an infield hit in the fourth and walked in the sixth. ... Indians OF Michael Bourn, who is 1 for 13 in three games since returning from a hamstring injury, was given the day off. .. The series ends Sunday when Torontos Brandon Morrow (1-1) faces Carlos Carrasco (0-2). ' ' '