Mar 19, 2007 - 8:20 PM
0 shoutsTORONTO (Ticker) -- The NHL came down on Nashville Predators right wing Jordin Tootoo on Monday.
The league announced that Tootoo has been suspended for five games for punching Dallas Stars defenseman Stephane Robidas in the face during Saturday's game in Nashville.
The incident occurred at the 16:21 of the third period. Tootoo was assessed a double-minor penalty for roughing and Robidas made out much worse. After Tootoo nailed Dallas' Mike Modano with what appeared to be a clean check, Robidas took offense and charged at Tootoo, who spun around and punched him in the face.
Robidas lay prone on the ice for 10 minutes before being removed on a stretcher with his head and neck immobilized.
"In reviewing this incident, Stephane Robidas appeared to be initiating a confrontation by approaching Jordin Tootoo," NHL senior executive vice president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell said. "While a player is entitled to defend himself, Mr. Tootoo's forceful blow to Robidas' head was an overly aggressive and inappropriate response.
"The fact that Mr. Tootoo's actions resulted in an injury to his opponent also was a factor in this decision."
Tootoo will miss games Wednesday at Vancouver, at Calgary on Thursday, Saturday at Edmonton, March 27 vs. Edmonton and March 29 vs. Detroit.
