New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith was suspended for two games by the National Hockey League’s security department on Friday.
The 34-year-old hockey player was punished for the stick he handed to Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny the day before.
What gets attention in this story, however, is the fact that Jacob Trouba, a New York Rangers defenseman, got away with a $5,000 fine for a frankly similar act.
Last Saturday, the Blueshirts captain hit Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic in the head with his stick. Two days later, the Bettman circuit appeared in her portfolio.
Back to Smith: He was penalized for reacting violently to a double check from Konecny. The Devils player went there with an “axe”. He will miss the duels against the San Jose Sharks (Friday) and the Vancouver Canucks (Tuesday).