Raffi Torres (Wikimedia Commons)
We all knew Phoenix Coyotes’ agitator Raffi Torres would be suspended. But for 25 games? My initial reaction is and continues to be Wow!
But that was the case on Saturday as NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan completely threw the book at the former Oiler. Torres, who delivered a nasty hit on Marian Hossa of the Chicago Blackhawks in the early stages of game three of the Western Conference Quarterfinal on Tuesday night, received the second longest suspension in NHL history. Hossa, meanwhile needed to be carried off on a stretcher and hasn’t played since the incident took place.
Torres, who amazingly, didn’t receive a penalty on the play by referees Ian Walsh and Stephen Walkom, is a repeat NHL offender. He has been suspended twice before in his career for incidents. Torres also delivered the hit at a time when the NHL is being scrutinized by the media for the dirty level of play by an influx of players who have participated to date in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
It will also be interesting to see if Walsh and Walkom get second round assignments after their own negligence in missing the call.
Was the suspension fair? Let us know what you think.
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