I agree with a lot of things you say, not this though.
That statement is utter bullshit.
That was every bit as vicious as Reilly's crosscheck and should have been dealt with just as severely as his will be.
Playoffs and whether the targeted player is a big name or a has-been or anything in between should have absolutely nothing to do with the act and resulting penalties. The targetting player shouldn't be treated any differently due to their status either.
We all know that isn't the case though in this league run by incompetent assholes. But it should be.
EDIT: Maybe you were joking, but I don't think so.
You don't seem to have much of a sense of humour from what I've seen