The National Hockey League has suspended Alex Ovechkin and Jonathan Toews one game each for bowing out of the All-Star game.
NHL has suspended Alex Ovechkin and Jonathan Toews for missing the all-star game. pic.twitter.com/vw4enTdIel
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) January 28, 2016
The league announced today the duo will be replaced by Evgeny Kuznetsov and James Neal.
Ovechkin will miss the game with an injury and will be forced to sit out the Capitals matchup versus the Florida Panthers on February 2nd due to suspension, and Toews (illness) will miss a game versus the Avalanche on the same night.
Jonathan Toews will not participate in #NHLAllStar Weekend, must sit out Feb. 2 game in Colorado. https://t.co/ouT3Qd38zT
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 28, 2016
This isn’t the first time a star player was penalized for missing the All-Star game, as Pittsburgh Penguin Sidney Crosby received a one-game suspension last year.
Blackhawks Head Team Physician Michael Terry said in a team statement Toews’ health is a priority, and the break will give Toews much-needed time to gain some rest.
“Jonathan will not participate in the 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend in Nashville. He was pulled from Tuesday night’s third period because of an illness and remains symptomatic today. At this time, rest over the break is most important for him to properly recover and be fully healthy heading into the rest of the regular season.”
Who would have thunk Jaromir Jagr would be participating and not Ovechkin and Toews?
The All-Star game is shaping up to be a real farce. The NHL completely mismanaged the John Scott situation which made the league look bad and unconcerned with fans opinions. Now, two of the biggest stars are backing out for seemingly legitimate reasons, and they receive one game suspensions. I understand rules are rules, but the rules suck.
The All-Star weekend is shaping up to be a really disappointing event. Is anybody actually excited?