Dustin Byfuglien has always been a physical player, and has pushed the limits many times. Tonight he crossed the line. He let his emotions and frustrations get the best of him, and now he is looking at a possible suspension.
With the game tied at 1-1 in the second period, Byfuglien missed a defensive assignment, and Anaheim Duck Corey Perry made him pay. Perry snapped the puck past Winnipeg Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec making it 2-1 Anaheim. Byfuglien proceeded to skate at Perry from behind, and punched him in the back of the head, sending him to the ice face first. Byfuglien was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for roughing.
This brought back memories of Washington Capitals tough guy Dale Hunter smashing New York Islanders goal scorer Pierre Turgeon into the boards after he scored a critical playoff goal. That play resulted in a 20 game suspension for Hunter. I know that this will not be a suspension like that, but a message should be sent.
There is a strong possibility that Byfuglien will now be facing a suspension from the NHL. It will most certainly be looked at, and honestly if nothing is done by the league it will be embarrassing to the sport of hockey.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.