Penguins' Robert Bortuzzo suspended 2 games for Jaromir Jagr hit
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Robert Bortuzzo was suspended two games for his late hit on New Jersey Devils F Jaromir Jagr, the NHL announced on Wednesday.
Jagr was knocked out of Tuesday's game vs. the Penguins after the hit, which came in the second quarter of the Penguins' 1-0 win. Jagr had already passed the puck in front of the net before Bortuzzo initiated contact, appearing to strike Jagr above the shoulders. The league also said in its explanation that Bortuzzo had time to avoid the hit on Jagr, but delivered the contact anyway. Bortuzzo was not penalized for the hit.
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"What elevates this hit to merit supplemental discipline is its extreme lateness, its predatory nature and the significant head contact that results from the way it is delivered," the NHL's Patrick Burke said in a video explanation of the ruling.
Bortuzzo will be fined $6,451.62 for the hit, which resulted in the first suspension of his career.
Jagr was down on the ice for several minutes before heading to the dressing room. The Penguins had no update on his condition as of Wednesday night.
Jagr spent the first 11 years of his career with the Penguins from 1990-2001.
- Mike Fiammetta