Milan Lucic‘s hit from behind on Philadelphia’s Zac Rinaldo has earned him a one-game suspension from Brendan Shanahan and the NHL.
“In spite of the fact that Lucic sees Rinaldo’s numbers and proximity to the boards, Lucic delivers a dangerous check from behind,” Shanahan explained in the announcement.
Shanahan noted that Rinaldo did not alter his body position shortly before the hit.
“Therefore, the onus is on Lucic to avoid this hit completely or at the very least minimize it to a greater degree,” Shanahan said. “Instead, Lucic follows through with his check, driving Rinaldo high and hard into the glass. While this hit is not particularly egregious, it is illegal.”
Shanahan added that Lucic’s previous suspension, warnings and fine were taken into account in assessing the one-game suspension.
