In case you missed it, Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin threw a heavy check unto Islanders' forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau, which left him dazed. Many felt as though Ovechkin deserved a penalty, which he did not receive.

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Retired WWE wrestler and Harvard-educated neuroscientist Dr. Chris Nowinski had choice words on the matter, questioning the NHL's concussion protocols.

Full quote: "[NHL] continues to fly under the radar with shocking [concussion] care. Here's Jean-Gabriel Pageau after a big hit from Ovechkin. This is classic ataxia & in the new [NFL] protocol is automatic removal. Pageau was 'evaluated' & returned to the game. Time to update the protocol Gary."

Head trauma is a serious issue for athletes in contact sports that has severe consequences long-term. CTE studies have proven that repeated blows to one's head result in lasting effects such as progressive decline of memory and cognition, as well as depression, suicidal behavior, poor impulse control, aggressiveness, parkinsonism, and, eventually, dementia (NIH).

This isn't the first time the NHL has faced criticism for archaic practices. Player agent Allan Walsh is the most popular critic of the NHL and Commissioner Gary Bettman, but Dr. Chris Nowinski is a leading expert in concussion safety with a Ph.D. from Harvard.

For Nowinski to question the NHL's concussion protocols publicly is a major statement, which - hopefully - leads to positive change. Nobody should face lifelong degenerative brain damage from a game.