This is a text book example of the type of hits that the NHL is trying to get rid of. When I saw the hit last night I figured that this hit warranted a multi game suspension and the NHL has decided that Daniel Paille will sit for four games. Going forward I hope the league is consistent in making their decisions.
NHL.COM --- Boston Bruins forward Daniel Paille was suspended four games Friday by the NHL for a hit to the head of Dallas Stars forward Raymond Sawada during Thursday's game.
He will forfeit $23,118.28 in salary.
Sawada was carrying the puck into the Bruins' zone midway through the second period when Paille hit him. Sawada left the ice under his own power but did not return to the game. Paille was given a five-minute penalty for an illegal hit to the head, as well as a game misconduct.
"Paille delivered a lateral hit where the principal point of contact was his opponent's head," said Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Mike Murphy. "Additionally, the injury suffered by the Dallas player was a factor in this decision."
The incident occurred at 8:39 of the second period and Paille was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct under Rule 48 for Illegal Check to the Head.
This is the fourth suspension under Rule 48 handed down this season. Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan was suspended three games Oct. 17 for a head check against Anaheim's Dan Sexton. San Jose's Joe Thornton was handed a two-game ban Nov. 4 for striking the head of David Perron of the St. Louis Blues. On Dec. 8, Matt Martin of the New York Islanders was handed a two-game suspension for a check to the head of Vern Fiddler of the Phoenix Coyotes.
