Patrick Kaleta - 10 Game Suspension
Kaleta did something dirty? Why I never...
Yes, once again Kaleta gets suspended for a dirty hit. This time, it was against Columbus' Jack Johnson. In Kaleta's defense (the only time I hope to ever say that), he does keep his line and Johnson did pull up before entering it. But in the end, he did hit Johnson's head, and that's not a good thing. Thankfully Johnson didn't get hurt on the play. The 10 games is more of a reputation suspension for Kaleta, and that's fair (maybe a little too fair). Probably a shining light at the end of this grim tunnel for Kaleta is that Matt Cooke is willing to talk to him. Cooke has been relatively clean since his run of cheap shots, so who better to calm down Cooke 2.0. This (again) hopefully will be the one that gets Kaleta to tone it down a notch. If not, he may be looking at a record suspension-length next time.
Maxim Lapierre - 5 Game Suspension
Lapierre did something dirty? Why I (ok, enough)
Lapierre, while not as bad as Kaleta, does have a reputation. The amazing thing about this is Lapierre continues with the hit and does the "what did I do?" gesture soon after. This was definitely a hit that could have been minimalized if not avoidable, but Lapierre just drives himself into the hit. Boyle being off-balance adds to the damage. Outside of not being classified as a "repeat offender" by the CBA, there isn't any plausible defense for this suspension. 5 games sounds about right.
KHL Suspension
"I'm Brendan Shanahanov of the KHL Department of Player Safety. In Thursday's game, Kazan defender Grigory Panin delivered an illegal check to the head of Bears forward Matt Murley. As the video shows, Murley tries to draw a penalty against Panin. As Murley slides into the boards, Panin delivers a vicious hit to the head. It is important to note that during the play, Panin ignores the puck after the initial infraction, and continues on with his hit. Panin was suspended earlier this season for checking from behind. To summarize, Panin delivered an illegal check to the head. Murley was injured on the play and did not return to the game. This is Panin's second offense this season. The KHL Department of Players Safety has decided to suspend Grigory Panin for 11 games."
Side note: As a Bears fan, #banPanin
Lineup Notables
Vancouver Canucks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Vancouver: Alexandre Burrows (foot) and Nicklas Jensen (upper body),are out. Roberto Luongo will start.
Pittsburgh: James Neal (upper body), Beau Bennett (lower body), and Tomas Vokoun (blood clot) are out. Matt D'Agostini (lower body) and Kris Letang (knee) are questionable. Marc-Andre Fleury starts this afternoon.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Ottawa Senators
Edmonton: Sam Gagner (jaw) is out. Jesse Joensuu (back), Ryan Hamilton (knee), Steve MacIntyre (knee), and Corey Potter (back) are all questionable. Devan Dubnyk might start.
Ottawa: Healthy Ottawa? Again? I'm scared. Robin Lehner gets the start.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Nashville Predators
Montreal: Max Pacioretty (hamstring), George Parros (concussion), Alexei Emelin (knee), Douglas Murray (upper body), and Davis Drewiske (shoulder) are out. Carey Price will be in net.
Nashville: Roman Josi (concussion) and Rich Clune (personal) are questionable. Pekke Renne is expected to start.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Toronto: Nikolai Kulemin (ankle), Frasier McLaren (broken finger), and Mark Fraser (knee) are out. James van Riemsdyk (back) is questionable. David Clarkson is suspended. Jonathan "Own Goal" Bernier might start.
Chicago: No injuries to report. Corey Crawford is in net.
Calgary Flames vs. San Jose Sharks
Calgary: Mike Cammellari (hand), Matt Stajan (leg), and David Jones (upper body) are out. and Karri Ramo starts tonight.
Joe Thornton's Rooster: Martin Havlat (groin), Raffi Torres (knee), and Adam Burish (lower body) are out. Dan Boyle (neck) is questionable. Antti Niemi gets the start.
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