Derek Boogaard has two career NHL goals. It's not like Wild coach Jacques Lemaire uses him for his skill. Boogaard is on the ice to protect the Minnesota Wild's skill guys, and he's there to be a physical presence.
He took that role a bit too far on Friday night. Boogaard used his huge elbow as a weapon, sending Calgary Flame Brandon Prust crumpling to the ice. The hit has earned Boogaard a five-game ban.
Since I have no idea what kind of hit can lead to a five-game suspension, let's look at the video.
What's odd is that this hit seems very similar to one thrown by Islander Brendan Witt that drew a five-game suspension.
Sports
The NHL got one right? Well, kind of.
As Michael Russo points out, the Wild are upset, and for good reason.
GM Doug Risebrough wouldn't comment on the suspension other than to say, "Obviously the league saw it differently than the concussion [Edmonton's Sheldon] Souray inflicted on [Craig] Weller with the plastic [wrist] guard."
Legitimate points, but it's probably time to let the Souray play go. It should have lead to a suspension, but the NHL didn't see it the Wild's way.
Russo also mentions that Witt is a repeat offender, while this is Boogaard's first NHL suspension. I think there is something to this, but at least both players got suspended. Seems like a very small victory, but I'll take during this time of inconsistent application of the rules.
Derek Boogaard Suspended 5 Games originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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