Quote:
Originally Posted by sureLoss
Sportsnet Stats @SNstats
#Flames Dennis Wideman's 20-game suspension is tied for the 2nd longest ban in NHL history for abusing an official.
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I think that people who are outraged by this decision do need to set it into context: In accordance with NHL rules, a player can receive 10 games for grabbing an official's shirt, or putting his hand on his shoulder just to stop him and get his attention. Mike Peca was suspended (albeit for just five games) for doing nothing more than grabbing Greg Kimberley's arm.
The League is clearly of the opinion that Wideman's actions constitute an intent to injure, and based on the video evidence this is a reasonable conclusion to reach. Within the context of how seriously the League treats deliberate contact with officials, the penalty does not seem so severe in my view.