Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Safety has suspended Alex Ovechkin for his hit on Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek for three games. The hit occurred early in the second period of Sunday afternoon’s game between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins at the CONSOL Energy Center.
Shanahan explains that Ovechkin’s hit is a violation of Rule 42 (Charging) which states, “a minor or major penalty shall be imposed on a player who skates into or jumps into or charges an opponent in any manner.”
He further explains:
Ovechkin drives up , launching, and recklessly making contact with Michalek’s head.
While we accept Ovechkin’s assertion that he did not intend to hit Michalek in the head, the moment Ovechkin launches himself in the air prior to the hit he becomes responsible for any contact.
To view Shanahan’s video explanation of this decision, CLICK HERE to visit NHL.com.
Zbynek Michalek’s hit on Matt Hendricks in that...
Original Story:
