Blackhawks' Dan Carcillo suspended six games for crosscheck
The NHL has suspended Chicago Blackhawks forward Dan Carcillo six games for his crosscheck on Winnipeg Jets forward Mathieu Perreault on Friday.
The league announced the discipline on Monday, saying the hit was "not a hockey play." Carcillo sat out Sunday's game against the Dallas Stars while awaiting his hearing and will miss five more, electing not to appeal his suspension, according to TSN's Darren Dreger. He will lose $40,243.92 in salary.
Carcillo has been fined or suspended 11 previous times over his nine-year NHL career. Due to his history, the NHL opted for an in-person hearing and supplemental discipline.
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Carcillo's hit came with time running out in the second period of Friday's game in Chicago. After Perreault knocked the stick out of the hands of Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith, which drew a delayed penalty, Carcillo crosschecked Perreault from behind.
Perreault sustained an upper-body injury and is expected to be out until after the Jan. 25 All-Star game. He had 13 goals in his previous 21 games, including a four-goal game against the Florida Panthers on Jan. 13.
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In the NHL's decision, the league ruled that the hit was not a hockey play because it came after play had been whistled dead, meaning Perreault had no reason to expect a hit. The league also cited Carcillo's ability to control the play, since he was coming from behind, and his striking Perreault in an unprotected area below his shoulder pad and above his elbow pad.
The Blackhawks are fourth in the Western Conference with 58 points (28-15-2). The Jets also have 58 points but are in fifth place with a 25-14-8 record.
- Mike Fiammetta