Courtesy of CBC.ca:
NHL suspends Lessard, O'Donnell
"Phoenix Coyotes enforcer Francis Lessard was suspended Wednesday for two pre-season games and three regular-season games for a questionable hit.
Lessard, 30, was punished for a check on forward Ryan Donally 6:38 into the third period of last Friday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks."
And:
"Los Angeles Kings defenceman Sean O'Donnell was suspended for the remainder of the pre-season and two regular-season games for a blatant attempt to injure an opposing player.
O'Donnell, 37, was assessed a match penalty for delivering a vicious cross check to forward Matt Martin 16:37 into the second period of Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the New York Islanders."
Hit 'em in the wallet, huh?
Preseason has become very competitve (and commensurately brutal - Remember the number of suspensions incurred by the Flyers, a couple of seasons ago?)
The late hits, the head-hunting, the hits from behind...It's understandable that many of these players are fighting for a roster spot or looking to make a splash that will get them noticed.
But, these are exhibition games, for pete's sake...way to try to end a career, during a meaningless game, in a mostly empty arena. Sad Stuff.
We'll see how consistently the NHL applies its' own standards, once the standings firm up and the favorites become better-defined.
They've shown themselves to be pretty "picky-choosy" in the past.
