The NHL’s Department of Player Safety handed down two-game suspensions to Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel and Philadelphia Flyers forward Jakub Voracek.
Eichel received the supplemental punishment for an illegal check to the head of forward Carl Soderberg during a game against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. Eichel received a minor penalty for the incident at the time.
Soderberg remained in the game for the 3-0 Avalanche victory.
Voracek’s ban stems from a major interference penalty that resulted in New York Islanders defenseman Johnny Boychuk leaving the game. The Flyers won that game 5-2.
The league determined that Voracek deserved additional punishment because of the severity and location (head) of the hit and that it occurred away from the puck.
After the game, Voracek downplayed his hit and took exception to Boychuck issuing a threat as he was helped off the ice.
“It’s a tough hit. You know, he’s getting off the ice, he’s pointing at me like it’s a WrestleMania or something,” said Voracek. “Pointing at me like it’s a WrestleMania. Come on, it’s a hockey game.”
–Field Level Media
