Flames defenseman slapped with lengthy suspension for dirty, dangerous hit
The NHL has dropped the swift hammer of justice on Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson for his illegal check to the head of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrick Laine, in the form of a 4-game suspension.
Right before the final horn was about to blast to signal a Blue Jackets victory, Andersson lunged towards Laine as he received a pass at his own blue-line. Andersson's elbow caught Laine flush in the head.
Sometimes you can play devil's advocate on suspensions and illegal checks but this one had clear intent written all over it. The Jackets were about to win the game 3-1, there was only a few seconds left on the clock, and Andersson lined up for the check before extending his arm as he made contract with his head.
Andersson was assessed an elbowing major and a game misconduct but with no time left on the clock, that point remained moot. In addition to his 4-game suspension, the Swedish defenseman has to forfeit $94,791.68 under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
