The National Hockey League (NHL) has suspended Buffalo Sabres defenseman Connor Clifton for two games due to his head shot on New Jersey Devils forward Nico Hischier. The incident occurred during the Sabres’ 4-2 win over the Devils on March 28th.
Clifton was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for an illegal check to the head of Hischier. After reviewing the play, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety determined that Clifton had delivered a forceful and dangerous hit to the head of Hischier and decided to suspend him for two games.
The suspension will cost Clifton $7,258 in salary, which will be donated to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
The NHL has been cracking down on head shots this season, as they have been trying to reduce the number of concussions and other head injuries that occur in the league. This suspension is a clear indication that the league is serious about protecting its players from dangerous hits.
It is important for players to understand that these types of hits are unacceptable and that they will be punished if they choose to make them. This suspension should serve as a reminder to all players that the league takes player safety seriously and that they must adhere to the rules in order to protect themselves and their opponents.
The Buffalo Sabres will have to make do without Clifton for their next two games, but hopefully this suspension will help ensure that similar incidents don’t occur in the future.
