Another scary hit, another likely suspension…

At 2:13 of the first period of Thursday’s game between the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings, Avs winger Cody McLeod was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding Detroit’s Niklas Kronwall.

Kronwall’s helmet was knocked off in the collision.  He lay motionless on the ice before being removed from the ice on a stretcher. Kronwall did not return.

Detroit went on to win 4-2 without their fallen comrade.

Here’s the hit in question:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xONsa4xGAzQ

 

From the NHL:

Colorado Avalanche left wing Cody McLeod will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety for a boarding incident during Thursday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings at Pepsi Center.  McLeod was offered the opportunity for an in-person hearing as required by provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for any suspension that can exceed five games.  The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: boarding. However, the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review.

 

“It was really scary hit, Kronner, he can’t move for a few seconds,” center Pavel Datsyuk said. “Everybody on the bench, like, can’t breathe. But after they say he OK – not OK, but OK.”

“Tough situation for him, anytime you get hit like that, you’re out cold,” Wings coach Mike Babcock said. “You’re scared to say the least. “These hits are things we’ve got to get out of the game.”