Brendan Lemieux Suspended Two Games For Interference
The New York Rangers are scheduled to kickoff its Qualifying Round against the Carolina Hurricanes in 12 days, and it looks like it will be without Brendan Lemieux. The rugged winger has been suspended for two games by the National Hockey League for his illegal check against Joonas Donskoi.
NY Rangers’ Brendan Lemieux has been suspended for two Stanley Cup Qualifying games for interference on Colorado’s Joonas Donskoi. https://t.co/H3C0ZFD4f1
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) July 20, 2020
The hit occurred on March 11 in what would be the Rangers’ final regular season game before the NHL went on pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. The league had previously announced Lemieux was suspended for the hit, but the length would be determined at a later date.
From the league’s official video breakdown, they released the following explanation in regards to issuing a suspension:
"Lemieux visibly shifts his weight to move into Donskoi’s path, then braces for contact to insure Donskoi absorbs the brunt of the impact. Contact is made well outside of the window where a check may be legally finished."
One interesting quirk with Lemieux’s suspension is that he will be permitted to participate in the exhibition game on July 29 against the New York Islanders.
Thoughts on the suspension?