This just in. The Department of Player Safety has suspended Kevin Shattenkirk two games for his charge of Los Angeles Kings defenseman Kevin Gravel.
Shattenkirk left his feet to deliver a hit to Gravel’s head.
Video
Here’s what DOPS had to say in the video.
As the video shows, Shattenkirk rims the puck around the boards into the Kings zone and then pursues the puck on the forecheck. The puck comes around to the far-side boards before being knocked back behind the net. Gravel pivots to pick up the loose puck as Shattenkirk pursues around the net. As Gravel moves the puck back up the wall, Shattenkirk up and into his hit, making significant contact with Gravel’s head. This is charging. It is important to note that Gravel is eligible to be checked on this play provided it is done in a legal manner. However rather than staying low and delivering a legal body check, Shattenkirk launches excessively up and into this hit, with both skates well off the ice before contact is made. In the process of launching, Shattenkirk makes significant and forceful contact with Gravel’s head. If Shattenkirk wishes to deliver this hit, he must stay low and hit through his opponent’s core.
Shattenkirk receives the two-game suspension despite never being previously fined or suspended during his 477 NHL game career. The two-game absence will cost the defenseman $47,222.22, which for a lot of people who read this site I’m guessing is close to their yearly salary.
Shattenkirk’s removal from the lineup will likely mean Nate Schmidt will return to the ice after being a healthy scratch for three-straight games by Barry Trotz.
Early Sunday, the NHL announced they would hold a hearing with Shattenkirk hours before the Caps’ game against the Anaheim Ducks.
More from the NHL:
Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk has been suspended for two games, without pay, for charging Los Angeles Kings defenseman Kevin Gravel during NHL Game No. 1010 in Los Angeles on Saturday, Mar. 11, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
The incident occurred at 15:57 of the third period. Shattenkirk was assessed a minor penalty for charging.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Shattenkirk will forfeit $47,222.22. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
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