While the NHL decides whether the season will even continue, life goes on at the Department of Player Safety. They have announced that New York Rangers forward Brendan Lemieux will have a hearing tomorrow to determine supplementary discipline for his hit on Colorado Avalanche forward Joonas Donskoi. Lemieux collided with Donskoi after the Avalanche player took a shot on net, appearing to impact his head in the process.
Obviously it’s not clear how a suspension would play out given the uncertainty around the rest of the season, but if handed out Lemieux would have to serve it at some point. Even with their loss last night the Rangers are still within striking distance of a playoff spot, should more regular season games be played.
Lemieux was given a minor penalty for interference on the play and has been suspended for an illegal check to the head in the past.
I know it’s super late, but I’m having a hard time seeing the head contact. Looked mostly in the shoulder and maybe some whiplash. Not a good hit, but I’m surprised a hearing was announced so quickly.
Late hit, no head contact, give him a game and move on.
That was my thought too