Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn has been suspended three games next season by the NHL for his hit to the head of T.J Oshie.
The dangerous hit occurred in Game 6 of the Flyers first-round series playoff series against the Washington Capitals. Oshie corralled the puck behind the Flyers goal, and Schenn, with a full head of steam, charged at him and left his feet to make contact with Oshie’s head.
The NHL said Schenn launched himself at Oshie, making ‘substantial’ contact with his head.
“Rather than staying low and delivering a hit through Oshie’s shoulder or chest, Schenn launches himself up and into Oshie, making substantial contact with Oshie’s head. Schenn’s elevation is evident as he remains airborne until he crashes into the boards,” the league said. (H/T to Puck Daddy for transcribing)
This isn’t the first time Schenn has been suspended. He was banned one game in 2013 for a high hit on Anton Volchenkov.
It seems the NHL got it right for once. Schenn made a very dangerous, stupid play, by launching himself at Oshie. By leaving his feet, he had the clear intention to hit Oshie’s head. Those hits are unacceptable and the NHL recognized this by appropriately suspending Schenn. Oshie, who has a history of concussion issues, is thankfully OK.
Oshie on Schenn's hit on him: "Just kind of needed to take a breath there. It's over. I don't really care about it."
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 24, 2016
The latest suspension will take effect next year, as Schenn will have to sit out the first three games of the 2016-17 regular season.
