The NHL Department of Player Safety has announced a one-game suspension for Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin. The ruling comes after Larkin was given a match penalty during Thursday night’s game after a punch to the face of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Mathieu Joseph. As noted in the explanatory video, the rationale behind the suspension from the Department is as follows:
Larkin and Joseph raced for the loose puck, and Larkin cuts in front of Joseph to establish position. Joseph shoves Larkin, causing him to hit the boards and fall to the ice. Larkin then gets to his feet, finds Joseph, and swings wildly, punching the unsuspecting Joseph in the face with a gloved hand, with sufficient force to knock him to the ice. This is roughing. It is important to note that this is not a case of two players who willingly choose to engage in a mutual confrontation. Joseph has no warning that he is about to be punched, and Larkin gives him no time to brace for contact, defend himself, or choose to engage in the altercation. We understand that Larkin is frustrated on this play, but, as our Department has established in the past, players are not excused from punishment merely because they’re acting in response to the actions of another player. What causes this play to rise to the level of supplemental discipline is the retaliatory nature of the punch and the force with which it is delivered to an unsuspecting opponent.
Larkin has no previous history of suspension. He will miss Saturday’s contest against the Vancouver Canucks and will be eligible to return on Tuesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
It’s also important to note that Larkin may have been held out of the game against Vancouver regardless, as he was an extremely limited participant in practice this morning due to a potential injury suffered on the controversial hit by Joseph. Larkin’s health will be evaluated today.
In Larkin’s absence, it’s likely that Robby Fabbri will shift to center on the top line with Tyler Bertuzzi and Lucas Raymond, who could make his NHL debut on Saturday, on his wings. Carter Rowney could slot into the lineup in a fourth-line role.
The refs from the sens leafs game deserve ton also face suspension for that garbage of a game last night
@bigdaddyt – Colin Campbell & Co. will just look at guys like you and me and give us the finger. “We’re the Peterborough Mafia, so just shut up, you mooks!”
Total bullshit.
That sure is a funny way for the NHL to describe Larkin getting cross-checked face first into the boards
So Joseph had no warning? Being hit in your face is more warning than Larkin got being hit from behind. NHL discipline continues to be a joke.
Did Joseph get a penalty on the play? Don’t think that was suspension worthy, should’ve just been a two or maybe five minute penalty. Larkins suspension is deserved, you can’t have players getting away with sucker punches.
Lucas Raymond made his NHL debut last night.
Got an apple
League is soft. Has to make sure there is no violence with the new ESPN deal
Larkin has every right to defend himself for a cheap shot like this so very confused by this suspension. Then again with the way Gary Betman HATES the Red Wings I’m surprised he didn’t suspend the whole team. What a joke the NHL as a whole really is.