Benning, Canucks disappointed with Kadri ruling

Whether it's the ruling or the rule itself, the Vancouver Canucks are upset with the NHL's leniency on Nazem Kadri.

Canucks general manager Jim Benning released a statement in response to the Department of Player Safety's inaction after Kadri's punishing blindside hit on Daniel Sedin Saturday night.

"We disagree with the ruling this morning and are very disappointed," Benning said. "However, we must accept it and put it behind us so we can focus on tomorrow's game."

The NHL didn't release an official statement to explain its rationale, but Damian Echevarrieta, a Department of Player Safety staffer, did touch on the subject on Twitter. He underscored that blindside hits are not illegal in the NHL, and that the angle taken is irrelevant as long as the head is not the main point of contact.

Vancouver will have a chance to exact its own method of discipline early next month when the Maple Leafs visit the Canucks.