NHL Department of Player Safety Harshly Punishes Emil Lilleberg for Illegal Interference

PUBLICATION

Graham Montgomery
January 27, 2025  (5:34 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Photo credit: NHL

The NHL Department of Player Safety has handed Tampa Bay Lightning rookie Emil Lilleberg a suspension for a bad hit on JT Compher.

The hit took place on Saturday when the Red Wings shutout the Lightning by a final score of 2-0.

During the game, Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg received a minor penalty for interference on a hit against Red Wings forward JT Compher.

However, the Department of Player Safety saw it differently, giving him a hearing for the play.

Earlier this evening, the DoPS reached their verdict, announcing a two-game suspension for the 23-year-old.

They explained their reasoning in a short video, highlighting the fact that the hit was late, forceful, and made 'significant' contact with Compher's head.

This ruling seems consistent with similar ones made this season, but once again it does highlight a disconnect between the on-ice officials and the front office as the referees did not think this warranted a major penalty, let alone a suspension.

Lilleberg will be eligible to return to the lineup for the Lightning on February 1st when they host the New York Islanders.

He has 11 assists in 45 games with the team this year and 16 assists in 82 career NHL games. He is still looking for his first career goal.

Warning: include(/home//inout/pub_inline.php): failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /home/marqueur/public_html/news/auto/blogs_id/470199.php on line 37

Warning: include(): Failed opening '/home//inout/pub_inline.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/opt/cpanel/ea-php74/root/usr/share/pear') in /home/marqueur/public_html/news/auto/blogs_id/470199.php on line 37

Previously

Ottawa Senators Fans Outraged After New Owner Michael Andlauer Announces New Venture in Quebec

Washington Capitals Make Heartbreaking Announcement on Beloved Team Member

Washington Capitals Sign Key Piece of Their Team to Massive Six-Year Extension

POLL
JANVIER 27   |   128 ANSWERS NHL Department of Player Safety Harshly Punishes Emil Lilleberg for Illegal Interference Do you agree with the two-game suspension for Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg for his hit on JT Compher?
Yes	86	67.2 %
No, too long	12	9.4 %
No, too short	22	17.2 %
Should not be a suspension	8	6.3 %
LIST OF POLLS

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Jack Sutherland Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Jack Sutherland Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By Jack Sutherland David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES