Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog has been suspended three games for cross-checking Simon Despres of the Anaheim Ducks.
As the video explains, Landeskog raised his stick into Despres' head, knocking him to the ice.
In the league's eyes, the play was not a battle for the puck or an attempt to establish positioning, and was deemed to be a reckless, irresponsible, and dangerous cross-check.
Landeskog suspended 11/13/2015, counts as repeat if last 18 mths. Forfeited salary would be $89,861.74 had he not been a repeat offender.
— General Fanager (@generalfanager) March 10, 2016
Despres was not injured on the play, while Landeskog has been suspended in the past. Both factored into the ruling.
(Video courtesy: NHL.com)
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