Elliotte Friedman Confirms Forward to Face Discipline for Clear NHL Rule Breach
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman has confirmed that one NHL forward is going to be likely facing some extra punishment after trying to injure his opponent.
It was a rare matchup between the Ottawa Senators and the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night. With both teams only matching up 32 times before the weekend matchup, it's been Ottawa sneaking ahead with a 15-13-1-3 record all-time.
So perhaps there was a bit of revenge on the mind of Minnesota's Ryan Hartman, as he decided to take it upon himself to try and dish out some punishment.
But according to Elliotte Friedman; it's probably going to cost him more than just a match penalty.
With Ottawa leading 3-0, Hartman decided to try and made Stutzle one with the ice, and there was a clear intent to injure the star forward off the faceoff.
The NHL/NHLPA CBA states per Article 18.2:
(a) The type of conduct involved: conduct in violation of League Playing Rules, and whether the conduct is intentional or reckless, and involves the use of excessive and unnecessary force. Players are responsible for the consequences of their actions.
(b) Injury to the opposing Player(s) involved in the incident.
(c) The status of the offender and, specifically, whether the Player has a history of being subject to Supplementary Discipline for On-Ice Conduct. Players who repeatedly violate League Playing Rules will be more severely punished for each new violation.
(d) The situation of the game in which the incident occurred, for example: late in the game, lopsided score, prior events in the game.
(e) Such other factors as may be appropriate in the circumstances."
It seems Hartman broke rules a), c), and d) with his actions against Stutzle. He was obviously reckless and trying to cause injury, he's a repeat offender with four career suspensions and has shown to have a nasty temper, and Ottawa was clearly leading by three goals while not a blow-out, it's not close.
Hartman is expected to receive a lengthy suspension given his previous history and the surrounding factors; potentially in the range of Matt Rempe's earlier eight-game suspension for an intentional elbow.
Hartman has been offered an in-person hearing which can only mean bad news for the forward, as it offers a potential for a five game or higher ban.
This season, Hartman has seven goals and 10 assists and 60 PIM in 48 games for the Wild.
