You know a hit is bad when the offending team’s commentators are advocating for a harsher punishment.
That was the case Tuesday night in Minnesota, when Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry leveled the Wild’s Jason Zucker with a late hit, sending Perry to the penalty box and Zucker to the trainer’s room.
The 2011 Hart Trophy winner was suspended four games in addition to his five-minute major penalty and game misconduct, the NHL announced Wednesday, a ruling that will cost Perry a reported $115,135.12.
A 50-goal scorer during his MVP season in 2010-11, Perry ranks second on the Ducks in goals (nine), assists (15) and points (24) behind center Ryan Getzlaf this season, while also tying for the team lead with 41 penalty minutes.
This is the second time the 27-year-old has been hit with a multi-game suspension by the league, as he was assessed an identical four-game penalty for elbow hit to Philadelphia’s Claude Giroux in 2009. He’s expected to return to the lineup March 22 against Detroit.
To see the hit and the league’s rationale behind the suspension, check out the video below.
Photo via Facebook/Anaheim Ducks
