David Backes won’t be available to the Boston Bruins until next week.
The veteran forward was suspended Wednesday by the NHL for three games as a result of a roughing penalty in Tuesday night’s 6-5 overtime win against the Detroit Red Wings. Backes hit Red Wings forward Frans Nielsen near the boards to draw the penalty, but the league determined further discipline was required.
The league explained its decision in the video below.
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This is the first suspension for Backes in a career that includes more than 900 games between the regular season and Stanley Cup playoffs.
If he chooses not to appeal the suspension, Backes will miss this week’s games against the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, as well as the home-and-home set with the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday and Sunday.
