Andrew Cogliano Suspended Two Games

Andrew Cogliano’s streak of 830 consecutive games will come to an end, as the NHL’s Department of Player Safety has issued a two-game suspension for the Anaheim Ducks’ forward. Cogliano came together with the Los Angeles Kings’ forward Adrian Kempe after he’d already passed the puck, making contact with his head. The accompanying video explains:

In addition to the lateness of the hit, what elevates this check to merit supplemental discipline is the substantial head contact and significant force. This is a late, high, forceful check on a player who is not eligible to be checked in any manner.

Cogliano has never been fined or suspended in a career that spans more than a decade. That career has also not been marred by a single injury or healthy scratch, as the 30-year old hasn’t missed a single game since he entered the league. That streak of 830 games ranks fourth all-time in NHL history, but will come to an end midway through his 11th season. Keith Yandle will now become the active consecutive games played leader with 676.

While the streak ending is disappointing for the sake of history, losing Cogliano for a pair of games will have a big impact on the Ducks. As shown by his recent three-year extension, the team knows the important role that he plays for their team as a player who can be relied on defensively and on the penalty kill. With the Ducks trying their best to crawl back into a playoff spot, they claimed J.T. Brown off waivers earlier today, perhaps expecting a suspension coming down from the league. They take on the Colorado Avalanche tomorrow afternoon, in a game between two Western Conference teams tied in the standings with 49 points.