John Moore of the New York Rangers has been suspended two games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his hit to the head of Montreal Canadiens forward Dale Weise.
John Moore suspended 2 games for hit on Dale Weise
John Moore of the Rangers will sit for two games after delivering what the NHL described as a head hit to Dale Weise.
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
The play occurred during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final between the two teams. The NHL justified the ban by arguing that the onus was on Moore to avoid making Weise’s head the principal point of contact.
It’s safe to say Rangers coach Alain Vigneault disagrees with the suspension.
“It doesn’t meet the league standard as far as a late hit,” Vigneault said earlier in the day. “It was a hit that Johnny caught him a little high in the chest, player didn’t see it coming. It probably warrants the penalty that was given on the ice. Other than that, I don’t see what else it could warrant, but I’ve been surprised before.
“The player didn’t see him coming, obviously, but the guy was admiring his pass a little bit at the same time. Unfortunately, it was a hit and because of the force of the hit, the head seemed to snap back a little bit.”
Weise reportedly suffered a concussion on the play.
Here’s the NHL’s full explanation of the suspension:
Moore will be out of the lineup until Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, should the Rangers advance past Montreal in seven games, or if the Rangers win Game 6, it could carry over into Game 1 of the Cup Final. If Montreal wins the series, Moore's season is over. NHL players do not collect regular paychecks during the postseason, so Moore will not forfeit any salary.
See More:
