The only thing that is consistent about NHL discipline is its inconsistency.

This has always has been the case, and it hasn't changed much this season. It especially hasn't changed in the postseason, and fans and players aren't the only ones a little frustrated and confused by it.

It extends all the way to the top of the organizations as well. See the Rangers" data-canon="New York Islanders" data-type="SPORTS_OBJECT_TEAM" id="shortcode0"> as exhibit A.

Shortly after word came from the league that forward Carl Hagelin had been suspended three games for elbowing Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson on Saturday, the Rangers issued the following statement:

The New York Rangers accept the NHL's three-game suspension of Carl Hagelin and will not pursue an appeal.  

However, we are thoroughly perplexed in the ruling's inconsistency with other supplementary discipline decisions that have been made throughout this season and during the playoffs.

We will have no further comment on this decision.
Thoroughly perplexed by the inconsistency of NHL discipline? Welcome to the club, guys.

Whether or not you agree with the suspension for Hagelin, it's hard not to think that we're right back to the days of randomly throwing darts at the wall when it comes to discipline.

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