Washington Capitals forward Marcus Johansson has been suspended two games by NHL Player Safety for his illegal check to Thomas Hickey’s head. This suspension comes despite Johansson’s standing as one of the NHL’s least penalized players. He’s only been whistled for three minors this season.
Here’s the NHL’s full explanation.
In the video, Patrick Burke says the hit was potentially legal, but Johansson’s extension upward was unnecessary and made Hickey’s head the main point of contact.
Johansson becomes the second Caps player this week to be suspended. Zach Sill was also banned by NHL Player Safety for two games after boarding Adam McQuaid.
On Friday afternoon, the Caps called up Paul Carey from AHL Hershey.
NEWS: #Caps recall Paul Carey from @TheHersheyBears, re-assign Ryan Stanton. #CapsNYR #HBH https://t.co/CXXzm4cBWx pic.twitter.com/Uo5Hl6ciF0
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) January 8, 2016
