After a video review, Clayton Keller was ejected from Thursday's 5-3 defeat to the Ottawa Senators. Senators defenseman Erik Brannstrom gave Keller a couple of whacks on the play, so Keller gave him one big on to the face in return.
There's precedent for a suspension here, as the NHL has made an effort to crack down on shots to the face with players' sticks. That said, Keller's wasn't so egregious that it absolutely demands a suspension, but it could go either way.
Judge for yourself:
Ejected halfway through the first period, Keller's absence was felt as the Coyotes' leader in goals and assists. All said and done, Keller earned 15 PIMs plus the ejection, which is notable given that he isn't much of a scrapper.
But I guess playing in Arizona for seven seasons does that to a person.
Should Clayton Keller be suspended for his cross-check on Brannstrom?
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