The number of concussions reported by NHL players remains unchanged from last season despite the league's attempt to reduce the injury by creating a rule outlawing blindside hits to the head, as reported by ESPN.com. NHL's neuropsychologist Dr. Ruben Echemendia told The Canadian Press on Friday that 33 concussions had been reported as of December 1, the same number as last year. He noted that it doesn't necessarily mean the rule change has been ineffective.