Alex Edler gets suspended two games by NHL
Posted March 22, 2013 7:48 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, ON (NEWS1130) – Vancouver defenceman Alex Edler has been suspended two games by the NHL for charging Coyotes goalie Mike Smith on Thursday.
He will not play this weekend in Los Angeles and Denver.
Late in the second period of Vancouver’s 2-1 win, Edler was pursuing the puck when he ran into Smith who was behind the net playing the puck. Smith played the remainder of the period but did not return for the third period because of headaches, according to Coach Dave Tippett.
The Swedish defenceman received a five-minute charging penalty on the play.
“Rather than attempt to minimize or avoid contact, Edler takes a direct route through Smith, making contact with his head. This is charging against the goaltender. Edler has no history of supplemental discipline in his seven year NHL career. Although Smith was able to finish the second period, he did not return for third period and suffered an injury on the play,” says Rob Blake of the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety.
Edler will forfeit just over $35,000 of his salary. The funds go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
