In that video, there’s no question Wideman did it on purpose, raising his stick to hit Henderson in the back of the neck!
On the other hand, Henderson got back up and skated away, not looking particularly damaged.
It was a bizarre incident that seemingly defies explanation — partly because Wideman had no previous disciplinary issues over more than ten years in the NHL before that game.
Looks can be deceiving and the extent of injuries are often times not felt or known till later........
And players wear shoulder pads, refs don't........