Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi Torres has been suspended indefinitely pending an NHL hearing on Friday for his vicious hit on Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa during Tuesday night's Western Conference Quarterfinal Game 3. Torres will travel to the NHL's office in Manhattan for the in-person hearing, which was originally scheduled for Wednesday but delayed at the request of the NHL Players Association.
Raffi Torres Suspended Indefinitely Pending NHL Hearing For Marian Hossa Hit
The timing of Friday's hearing means Torres will certainly miss Thursday's Game 4 at United Center, but it's likely he misses more. When holding in-person hearings -- as opposed to the over-the-phone variety -- the NHL reserves the right to suspend a player for five games or more, which is certainly possible in this instance. Torres can waive the right to an in-person hearing, but given the NHLPA's delay, it seems as though he'll be making the trip to meet with Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Safety.
Hossa was hospitalized following the hit, which occurred during the first period. It was a late hit in which Torres targeted Hossa’s head while leaving his feet -- the illegal trifecta, one might say.
Stick with SBNation.com for full Coyotes vs. Blackhawks series coverage. For more from the Phoenix perspective, head over to the Five For Howling. For more on the Blackhawks, check out Second City Hockey.
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