Down and Out

Michael Farkas | National Hockey League

Sep 28, 02:20 PM | Hype this story!

Philadelphia Flyers forward Steve Downie is suspended for the next 20 NHL games as a result of his hit on Senator Dean McAmmond Tuesday in Ottawa.

McAmmond was carrying the puck behind the net and Downie came up full speed and left his feet to deliver a devastating blow to McAmmond. Downie was given a match penalty (intent to injure) and McAmmond was carried off on a stretcher.

“I thought I got him clean, but I just hope he’s okay,” said Downie after the Flyers preseason loss.

The 20-game suspension marks the fourth longest suspension in NHL history. Once again, the NHL bases it’s suspensions on results and injuries as opposed to intent.

The video for the hit can be seen here: Video

Comments

  1. DaBich

    Oct 1, 07:56 AM

    The intent I see is nasty. Downie was UP OFF HIS FEET flying at McAmmond. Perhaps the league is trying to put a lid on this kind of hit early in the season.

  2. Matt Bodenschatz

    Oct 1, 09:55 AM

    Update The Philadelphia Flyers have sent Downie to their AHL affiliate. And, in a surprise move, the AHL’s commissioner has ruled that he will review Downie’s suspension to determine a course of action. Typically, NHL suspensions do not carry over to the AHL.

    So, to respond to your comments, Dabich, I think we could be seeing a newfound hard-line stance against violence in hockey. Not only was the 20-game suspension more stern than was expected, but now the AHL is stepping in as well. One can only hope this is not just an aberration.

  3. DaBich

    Oct 1, 02:24 PM

    I agree Matt. Nip it in the bud before it gets worse. I am all for hockey fights, it’s part of the game. But the nasty stuff shouldn’t be tolerated. Too many career ending injuries.

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