Anssi Salmela has been suspended three games by the IIHF's Disciplinary Panel for a nasty boarding play against Alex Goligoski on Sunday afternoon in Helsinki. The play came at 5:03 of the third period of the United States' big 5-0 win over Finland at the World Championships.
Anssi Salmela Suspended 3 Games For Hit In World Championships
Anssi Salmela was suspended three games for a nasty hit against USA’s Alex Goligoski at the World Championships.
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Salmela was given a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct on the play, which was one of the more violent boarding hits we’ve seen in hockey this season.
Of note: the IIHF noted that they "took into consideration the ruthlessness of the act, which could have resulted in a serious injury, which now Goligoski was fortunate to escape." As most know, the NHL generally rules based on outcome of the injury, not intent. Given NHL precedent, Brendan Shanahan may have been a bit lighter on Salmela here because Goligoski was indeed fortunate to escape the injury.
Salmela will miss Finland’s remaining preliminary round match against Kazakhstan, a quarterfinal on Thursday and, should Finland advance, the semifinal as well.
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