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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook took out Blues captain David Backes with a flying head shot Saturday afternoon at Scottrade Center.

Then, with Backes obviously concussed, one of the Blackhawks, perhaps Duncan Keith, taunted him. "Wakey, Wakey Backes," somebody said. "Wakey, wakey."

That sounds like something aptly named Blues defenseman Garth Butcher would say during the old (Chuck) Norris Division days. Back then, situation ethics ruled the postseason. But in Gary Bettman's modern NHL such high jinks are frowned upon.

Blues ruffian Ryan Reaves offered a classic comeback Sunday:

“To me, it looked a little gutless from where I was standing, and the replays I’ve seen. I saw them talking to him. It makes it a little more gutless. I don’t think there’s any need for that. He doesn’t even know where he really is. I think if they want to start getting into that battle, we can play the same way. We’ll see where it takes us.

Check it out at the 46-second mark:

So concussions are funny stuff to the Blackhawks. That is news worth noting by the Blues. who were already miffed about the Seabrook hit and Bryan Bickell's attempt to take out Vladimir Sobotka with a knee-to-knee hit.

Sobotka was not seriously injured on this play, but he is iffy for Game 3.

Speaking of Keith, Don Cherry called him out for his excessive stickwork against the Blues. Mind you, Cherry is arguably North America's most vocal fan of the rough stuff.

The Blackhawks have set the rules of engagement for the rest of the series. The NHL will try to cool things down with tight officiating, but the league's light three-game suspension for Seabrook won't help that effort.

Here is the official explanation of why Seabrook got just three games, from new league disciplinarian Stephane Quintal:

"As Backes continues on his path toward the corner, well away from the puck and past the timeframe in which he is eligible to be checked, Seabrook drives up and into Backes delivering a blow with his right shoulder that causes Backes to slam violently into the glass and boards."

Actually, Seabrook launched himself right into Backes' head. But Quintal couldn't phrase it that way and still give such a light suspension.

Here is how the Twitterverse reacted to all of this fun.

 

James Mirtle

@mirtle

Defending champs in trouble. Blackhawks down 2-0 in series and now without Brent Seabrook for Games 3 to 5 due to suspension.

Apr. 20, 2014

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Jim Matheson

@NHLbyMatty

Can't say I disagree with 3 gms for Seabrook shoulder to Backes' head. Violent hit.

Apr. 20, 2014

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Harrison Mooney

@HarrisonMooney

Watching the Seabrook suspension video, it’s almost like the DOPS forgot about the head contact part. I say Seabrook got off lucky.

Apr. 20, 2014

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Matt Sebek

@MattSebek

Seabrook gets three-game suspension. If the Blues sweep in two, does he have to sit out the first round of golf?

Apr. 20, 2014

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Dan Rosen

@drosennhl

Hitch said Bickell also tried to knee Pietrangelo in 1st. "When you're leg-whipping people, it's a concern because that's career-ending."

Apr. 20, 2014

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