This
was a very good call by the NHL's Department of Player Safety, this is an
illegal check to the head. That fact that there wasn’t a penalty called on the
play is a head scratcher. I didn't think Jesse Winchester would get three game for this bush league hit, but I applaud the
decision. Players have got to eventually get the message that cannot make these
hits anymore, it's no longer acceptable to do this. There was no reason
for Jesse Winchester to hit Chris Kelly in this situation, he's better off to let him go.
NEW YORK -- Florida Panthers forward Jesse Winchester has been suspended for three games, without pay, for elbowing Boston Bruins forward Chris Kelly during NHL Game No. 230 in Boston on Thursday, November 7, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Winchester will forfeit $9,230.76. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
The incident occurred at 4:52 of the first period. No penalty was assessed on the play.
