In Dan Carcillo's first 11 games as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, he'll have spent four of those games as a suspended spectator in the press box. Following a suspension that saw him miss the first two games of the regular season, Carcillo will sit for two more games thanks to a Friday night hit on Joni Pitkanen.
Dan Carcillo Suspended Two Games For Hit On Joni Pitkanen
Apparently, Brendan Shanahan has the weekend off. Rob Blake did the NHL.com video explaining Carcillo's fate.
The NHL places the blame on Carcillo for what they call a reckless hit from behind on Pitkanen, one that caused the Carolina defenseman to lose his balance and tumble towards the boards. Carcillo apparently claimed that he’s never been suspended for such a hit in the past, but the NHL isn’t dumb.
Carcillo has a lengthy history of suspensions and fines, and just because he’s never been reckless in this way before doesn’t mean he’s never been reckless at all. That certainly played into the decision.
The Blackhawks will miss Carcillo, who's been playing on an integral role on a line with Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane, for Saturday night's game against Columbus and Monday's game against Nashville.
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