Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson will actually have to serve the four-game suspension imposed on him by the National Hockey League (NHL).
On Tuesday, Gary Bettman decided to uphold the original decision of his circuit’s player safety department. Andersson had decided to appeal. Because this is a suspension of less than six games and the hearing is not in person, the commissioner has the final say on the matter, rather than an independent arbitrator.
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The Flames representative was penalized for striking Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine in the head last Friday. The gesture came with five seconds left in the third period of the game, which the Ohio club won 3-1.
“During the hearing, Mr. Andersson admitted that the hit was “not perfect” and that he accepted responsibility for it. “Mr. Andersson has no significant additional disciplinary history during his six-year NHL career and his demeanor during the hearing was always respectful,” Bettman wrote in his report.
“It should also be noted that Mr. Andersson’s shot was completely unnecessary given the circumstances of the game at the time of this play, with the game taking place with seconds remaining and out of Calgary’s reach, which also made him irresponsible.”
Andersson already missed last Sunday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings. He will miss the duels against the New York Rangers (Tuesday), the St. Louis Blues (Thursday) and the Edmonton Oilers (Sunday). The game between the two Alberta teams will be played away at Commonwealth Stadium.