A lot of times in sports, when you see a disgusting act you are quick to react to a play. And that is what happened to a lot of us that watched Patrick Kaleta’s hit on Brad Richards last night.  I am sure twitter was on a rampage about the hit last night, as it was warranted. I was one of those going on a rampage. Kaleta has a track record of these types of incidents.

And it better change.

I do think having an agitator on your roster is a benefit, and Kaleta at times does provide this. We all know that new Sabres coach Ron Rolston is trying to change the culture of this team and sometimes that has worked. And the culture does need to change in Buffalo.

Playing Kaleta almost 15 minutes a night however, to me is an overkill.

For the most part, Kaleta absolutely crossed the line last night. The behind the hit play in Brad Richards is mostly on him, and given his track record, a suspension is absolutely warranted. A message needs to be sent by Brendan Shanahan that those kinds of plays will not be tolerated.

But looking at the replay several times this AM, there is something else that needs to be mentioned. Brad Richards did peek back at Kaleta, and after he was hit, he reminded me of how R.J. Umberger looked after he was leveled by a clean Brian Campbell hit years ago in the NHL Playoffs.  Umberger did not play again in that series.

Brad Richards did, and quickly. And thank goodness for that.

But this also raises another question: The Rangers were down 1-0, were somewhat lifeless and needed a lift. Did Richards embellish the play maybe a little? Perhaps. Richards did return to the game rather quickly, which might add some fuel to that fire. And the lift that the Rangers received from Kaleta’s boneheaded move was clear as day.

One can make an argument that Kaleta cost the Sabres a point last night. While there was still a lot of time to go in that game, that moment was clearly a momentum shifter. And when points are at  a premium, imagine if the Sabres miss the NHL Playoffs by one point. The consequences would then be enormous.

I do wonder how Kaleta’s teammates feel deep down inside about his antics. On some level, they appreciate it. But what if Richards was severely injured? What if the play in OT on Tyler Ennis last night for boarding by Dan Girardi resulted in a major injury to Ennis?

Two wrongs never make a right. But could you blame the Rangers or any other team for considering a serious retaliation? Not I.

If I were Kaleta’s teammate, I would really be agitated deep down inside, because Kaleta might get one of his teammates seriously injured because of his stupidity. Imagine the cost then. Imagine how Kaleta will have to look that teammate in the eye after such an incident. Does Kaleta remember how the Sabres felt and reacted after Ryan Miller was run last year against Boston?

Kaleta’s track record of this type of behavior is unacceptable, and should not be by Brendan Shanahan, the Sabres, or any other NHL team.

The conference call is scheduled for 3PM EST, which means Kaleta can only receive a 5 game suspension. Based on his history, and even if there was a very small embellishment by Richards, Kaleta deserves 5 games, maybe more.

Hopefully Kaleta gets the message, for his benefit, the Sabres, and the sport as a whole. Otherwise, Kaleta should be looking for other employment.