The NHL announced on Saturday that they would be suspending Raffi Torres for 25 games due to his vicious and dangerous hit on Chicago Blackhawks skater Marian Hossa. The Phoenix Coyotes winger was deemed a "repeat offender" by the league and was given the longest postseason suspension in nearly 20 years.
Raffi Torres Suspension: Coyotes Agree Hit ‘Crossed The Line’
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On Saturday, the Coyotes released an official statement in response to the NHL’s ruling and agreed with the judgment. Coyotes general manager Don Maloney had this to say:
"I want to thank Brendan Shanahan and his staff for their thorough review of this incident," said Maloney. "The ruling is very severe for Raffi and our Hockey Club. Raffi plays a hard, physical game yet this contact crossed the line on what is acceptable in our game today. We hope Marian Hossa makes a full and speedy recovery as we all enjoy watching him perform. The Club accepts the NHL's decision and will focus on our game tonight."
No matter how deep the Coyotes make it into the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, Torres will miss the remainder of the postseason.
For all news and information regarding the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, please visit SB Nation’s dedicated NHL hub. 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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