Following up last night's post on former Flyer Scottie Upshall's hit on Oskars Bartulis, the NHL has handed Scottie a two-game suspension. Earlier today, Upshall tweeted that upon reviewing the replay, he believed his hit on Bartulis was "without a doubt late." He also said he hoped Bartulis' MRI was positive, though we think he made the common mistake of getting that backward. Upshall isn't a violent player or a vengeful guy.
Here's what the NHL had to say about it.
Phoenix Coyotes left wing Scottie Upshall has been suspended for two games and will forfeit $24,193.54 for an illegal hit delivered to Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Oskars Bartulis in NHL game #895 last night, the National Hockey League announced today. The incident occurred at 0:17 of the second period. Upshall hit an unsuspecting Bartulis, who was injured on the play. Upshall was assessed a minor penalty for boarding.
Upshall's fine is based on his average annual salary and is calculated under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund. Upshall will miss the Coyotes' next two games -- tonight at Tampa Bay and Friday at Columbus. He will be eligible to return Sunday at Chicago.
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Via Puck Daddy.
See video of the hit here. What do you think of the suspension? Too much? Just right?