The NHL has handed down its second suspension within the last hour, announcing (video link) that Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson has received a one-game ban for acting as the aggressor with Panthers winger Nick Cousins on Sunday.
While chasing a loose puck in the third period, Cousins hit Gudbranson from behind, sending Gudbranson face-first into the boards. Cousins was initially given a major penalty for his hit but it was dropped to a minor after review, keeping him in the game. Six minutes later, Gudbranson responded by going after Cousins, throwing him to the ice following a zone entry and then throwing several punches. He received a minor penalty on the play for instigating along with a five-minute fighting major, and a game misconduct.
Gudbranson will miss Thursday’s game against Toronto and will forfeit $20.8K. The money will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Refs didn’t handle their business on this one
Cousins is a punk. He deserved every bit of that and more.
I think the refs handled this correct. They cant punish an action different, just to avoid any future reactions.
Cousins probably could have got a game or 2… But if he did, then Gudbransson, who was caught on tape saying he will take care of it or whatever would have been sent for 6+. League made it a friendly 1. Should have actually been 5+ in today’s game. Nothing a few years ago.
IF Gudbransson stays down… probably 5 and a game plus some from thr league. the fact he turtles while laying next to the net then gets up and tries to fight cousins neglects the 5, should be a 2, plus whatever happens afterwards.
Then he is seen on bench telling coach, I’ll get him next shift if he isn’t kicked…
Not saying the cousins hit is OK, but what Gudbransson did is worse.
Should have been 2 games at least for Cousins and 3 for Gudbransson if the league wants to take policing away.
Should have been 2 each for the illegal check and 2 for Gudbranssons actions to keep it right.
Should be nothing to keep it old school and let Cousins answer the call next time he plays the Jackets VS. someone closer to his own weight class.
Gudbransson turtled to try and get the call, right call by refs to not hand it for that, wrong call not making a boarding call initially.
Why would Cousins’ major get turned into a minor? Pretty clear it was a dangerous check from behind.
Not from behind! Every player in NHL should know better than to lower your head and get in front of a player one meter from the board. Cousins couldnt avoid it. That was what the refs saw when watched the replay.