Ron McLean said Denis Gauthier deserved a 20 game suspension for his vicious elbow to the head of Josh Gorges. Pierre McGuire said Gauthier should sit the rest of the season. I expected at least 10 games.
The NHL decided that a 5 game suspension was enough. Clearly the NHL is not serious about removing head shots from the league.
When McGuire heard the news release from the NHL about the suspension he said “You got to be kidding me! I’d give him the year! Are you wondering why there is no respect among NHL players? Here is exhibit A. Gauthier has a track record as long as my arm!”
Video clip:
Gauthiers Vicious Elbow on Gorges
TORONTO (February 2, 2009) –Los Angeles Kings defenseman Denis Gauthier has been suspended for five games, without pay, as a result of a blow to the head delivered during NHL Game #732, Jan. 31 against the Montreal Canadiens, the National Hockey League announced.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Gauthier will forfeit $56,451.61. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Gauthier was assessed a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct for hitting Canadiens’ defenseman Josh Gorges at 3:50 of the second period.
Gauthier will miss games at Ottawa on Feb. 3, at Washington on Feb. 5, at New Jersey on Feb. 7, at New York Islanders on Feb. 10 and against Calgary on Feb. 12. He will be eligible to return on Feb. 14 against Edmonton.
Photo credits: (Reuters & AP)