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.
"Compher passes the puck to a teammate. Then, after the puck is released, and outside the window in which a check may be legally finished, Lilleberg delivers a late, high hit that makes significant contact with Compher's head. This is interference. What causes this hit to rise to the level of supplemental discipline is the significant head contact on the play combined with the force."
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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.
