Sharks' Kevin Labanc banned one game for slew-footing Blues' Tyler Bozak
With roughly 11 minutes to play in the first period of Thursday's game between the San Jose Sharks and Blues that St. Louis won 4-1, Sharks forward Kevin Labanc brought Blues forward Tyler Bozak down with a dangerous move that admittedly appeared accidental in nature:
Nevertheless, the NHL's Department of Player Safety didn't take the matter lightly even after Labanc was initially assessed a minor penalty for tripping.
The department announced Friday that Labanc has been suspended for one game without pay for slew-footing Bozak. Labanc will forfeit $23,625.00 as part of the punishment, and that cash will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
"It is important to note that there are many occasions during the course of a game where players use either their legs or their stick and upper body to restrain or impede opponents, or to gain leverage during a puck battle," the department's accompanying video explains, per Gavin Lee of Pro Hockey Rumors. "In the vast majority of these circumstances, these plays can be adequately punished by in-game penalties. What causes this play to rise to the level of supplemental discipline is the speed the players are traveling, and their proximity to the boards."
Labanc is not a repeat offender, but Bozak's proximity to the boards at the time of the incident left the league little choice but to act.
Thus far, Labanc has two goals and two assists in 11 games this season.
The 8-7-1 Sharks host the 10-2-5 Washington Capitals on Saturday.
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