After a discipline-free start to the 2014-15 NHL season, we’ve had quite a slew of suspensions in the past week – nearly one per day. Columbus defenseman Jack Johnson may be the next addition to the list.
Johnson hit Carolina Hurricanes forward Jiri Tlusty with an illegal check to the head in the third period of Tuesday night’s game.
Referee Greg Kimmerly levied a two-minute penalty on Johnson for an illegal check to the head.
Don't know if Johnson left his feet, but he was rising up. Blindsided Tlusty in open ice. #CBJ
— Shawn Mitchell (@smitchcd) November 5, 2014
Tlusty did not return to the game, though said he felt fine afterwards.
“Obviously I’m not skating through the neutral zone thinking about targeting his head,” Johnson said after the game. “I’m just trying to finish a check.”
When it comes to the possibility of a suspension, Johnson’s got a few things working for him. He’s got a clean record, so there’s no history with the Department of Player Safety. Additionally, Tlusty seems to have avoided serious injury, which would most certainly reduce Johnson’s sentence.
We’ll wait to hear from Stephane Quintal and the Department of Player Safety. Actually, Jack Johnson will be the one waiting to hear. Keep your ringer on, Jack.
Jack Johnson’s puppy reacts to his dad being suspended soon. He allegedly knows how it feels to suffer the wrath. pic.twitter.com/CXhStx7wFt
— Section 328 (@Section_328) November 5, 2014
