Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows has been suspended three games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for his illegal hit to the head of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin.
In a game between the two teams Thursday night, Burrows initiated the questionable check on Emelin at 8:28 of the second period. Although there was no penalty called on the play, the 33-year-old right wing received a phone hearing this afternoon.
At that point, he was informed by the league that he would receive a three-game suspension despite the fact that he is not a repeat offender.
Burrows responded to media following the game and had this to say regarding the hit:
“When they slow it down to 24 frames per second it might look late, but I didn’t think it was. I certainly wasn’t trying to hurt anyone, and he looked alright in the third period.”
Unfortunately for his case, it was indeed a noticeably late hit and his shoulder did make direct contact with Emelin’s head.
For Vancouver, Burrows’ absence means yet another top-six forward spot will remain unfilled until he is able to return to the lineup on November 6 against the San Jose Sharks.
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