The NHL Winter Classic was a roaring success, with plenty of memorable and lasting images from the Toronto Maple Leafs’ shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings. The game did include one ugly moment, however, but it won’t cost the guilty party any games.
The league announced Friday afternoon that Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul will not be suspended for cross-checking Detroit’s Patrick Eaves in the head and neck area during the first period. Lupul will be fined $10,000 for his actions, though. That’s the most a player can be fined under the current collective bargaining agreement.
Lupul was given a minor penalty for cross-checking, and Eaves went back to the locker room after the play ended. Eaves did not return to the game and eventually had to have his jaw reset. He has a concussion history, but there were no signs of a concussion, and he’s not supposed to miss any time.
The lack of suspension is a little bit surprising, especially considering Lupul has a supplemental discipline history. He was suspended for two games last season for an illegal hit to the head of Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman.
See the Lupul cross-check below.
