Flyers’ Hartnell suspended two games

Scott Hartnell was suspended
two games for his hit on
Boston’s Andrew Alberts.

Toronto, ON - Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell was suspended two games without pay by the National Hockey League for his hit on Boston’s Andrew Alberts on Monday.

On the play, which occurred with 5:38 remaining in the second period, Hartnell collided with Alberts, who was sliding on his knees near the boards at center ice. Hartnell’s elbow and shoulder hit Alberts flush in the side of the head, causing it to collide with the dasher violently.

Alberts lay on the ice for several minutes, and was eventually lifted to his feet and escorted to the locker room for evaluation.

Hartnell received a major for boarding and a game misconduct for the infraction.

“It appears that Mr. Hartnell was attempting to let up on delivering a check to an opponent that was in a vulnerable position,” said NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell. “However, at the point of contact, he did deliver a blow to the head of Mr. Alberts that resulted in an injury.”

Hartnell is the fourth Flyer this season to get suspended. Forward Steve Downie was given a 20-game suspension for an illegal hit on Ottawa’s Dean McAmmond in the preseason which left McAmmond with a concussion. Then, on October 12, forward Jesse Boulerice was hit with a 25-game ban for cross- checking Vancouver’s Ryan Kesler in the face two days earlier.

Defenseman Randy Jones was also banned for two games on October 29 after he elbowed Boston’s Patrice Bergeron in the back of the head and sent him face- first into the glass.

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