Anton Volchenkov is the latest to receive supplemental discipline in what has suddenly become a very busy time of year for Stephane Quintal and the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. The Nashville Predators defenseman will miss his club’s next four games. Volchenkov has been suspended for an illegal check to the head of Calgary Flames forward Michael Ferland.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH5YcvEbSpc
Ferland was making his NHL debut, which was cut short by Volchenkov’s hit. The Flames forward saw 9:43 of ice before leaving the ice with an injury that was later diagnosed as a concussion.
It could’ve been a clean hit if Volchenkov didn’t come up with his elbow, targeting Ferland’s head. As the NHL’s Department of Player Safety described, Volchenkov “altered his posture… extended his arm to make head the main point of contact.”
There was no penalty on the play. Referees Ian Walsh and Dennis LaRue whistled just three minor penalties over the course of the game.
When it comes to elbowing, Volchenkov’s got it down to a science. He’s been suspended twice before – both times for elbowing penalties. He was sentenced to four games for elbowing Boston Bruin Brad Marchand in April 2013. Back in 2011, he was suspended three games for elbowing Carolina Hurricane Zach Boychuk.
Here’s the official suspension ruling from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety:
Volchenkov will lose $21,505.36. He’s eligible to return to the lineup on November 11. Hopefully he’ll keep his elbows down.
