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RED WINGS’ NYQUIST SUSPENDED SIX GAMES FOR HIGH-STICKING

Detroit Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist has been suspended for six games, without pay, for high-sticking Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon during NHL Game No. 829 in Minnesota on Sunday, Feb. 12, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 14:13 of the first period. Nyquist was assessed a double-minor for high-sticking.

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Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Nyquist will forfeit $158,333.34. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: https://www.nhl.com/video/t-277440360/c-49454403.

Stick swinging incidents and viscious slashes are not common place in the NHL, but the league has had to deal with its fair share of infractions.  Nyquist was definitely in the wrong, but looked as though he was shocked at his actions as soon as he slashed/speared Spurgeon.  Nyquist elected not to meet with the Department of Player Safety in person and met via phone conference.  All indications were that Nyquist accepeted responsibility and was remorseful for his actions.

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Kyle Palmieri scored the 20th game-winning goal of his NHL career as the Devils improved to 4-1-1 in their last six contests . . . Robin Lehner made 39 saves against his former club as the Sabres improved to 6-0-2 in their last eight games vs. OTT dating to Jan. 26, 2016 (OTT: 2-6-0) . . . Penguins captain Sidney Crosby (0-1—1) ranks second in the NHL with 30-31—61 this season (49 GP) and moved within a point of the 1,000-point milestone (368-631—999) . . . Stars captain Jamie Benn (211-290—501) collected 1-1—2 to become the second player from the 2007 NHL Draft class to eclipse the 500-point milestone (also Patrick Kane) . . . Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen (33 saves) registered the 100th win of his NHL career . . . Canucks forward Daniel Sedin (1,200), Coyotes forward Jamie McGinn (500) and Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog (400) each skated in milestone games . . . Sabres forward Kyle Okposo (0-1—1) extended his point streak to seven games (3-4—7) . . . The Oilers, Red Wings and Senators and each hosted events in support of Hockey Is For Everyone month . . . Stars play-by-play announcer Dave Strader will return to the broadcast booth during the team’s upcoming homestand . . . The Canadiens hired Claude Julien as head coach of the club.

* Information provided via NHL Press Release