Geoff Burke-US Presswire
Earlier today, it was reported that Caps forward Marcus Johansson was scheduled to have a hearing with the NHL’s Player Safety. Hours later, Johansson has been handed a two-game suspension.
A first-time offender, Johansson is one of the NHL’s least-penalized players with just six penalty minutes on the season. Johansson will also pay a $40,322.58 fine.
.
According to the NHL: “NHL Department of Player Safety determined that Johansson could’ve delivered a “potentially legal hit” but instead, he extended “upward, delivering a blow directly to the head of Hickey. This extension makes the head the main point of contact on a hit where head contact is avoidable.”
For full explanation, click here: http://www.nhl.com/ice/m_news.htm?id=796718
For the Caps, it’s a big loss, albeit for two games. Johansson has been one of the team’s most productive in the last 15 games and is on pace for a career-high 21 goals and 54 points. The team has recalled forward Paul Carey from the AHL Hershey Bears. Carey has 14 goals and 11 assists in 35 games for the Bears. He will wear jersey No. 28.
By Michael Fleetwood
The timing of his loss (to suspension) is even worse than normal, given the Caps already have two dead roster spots (Sill lost due to suspension and Richards not ready to play.) The team could have ill afforded to lose him.