New York. Rasmus Andersson must pay a heavy price for the tackle that led to Patrik Laine’s downfall.
He was suspended for four games – including the Open in Edmonton next weekend.
In the final seconds of Calgary’s away game against Columbus last night, Swedish defenseman Rasmus Andersson hit Patrik Laine in the head with an elbow at the blue line — despite the game already being lost to the Flames.
Because of this action, the 26-year-old Scanian received a match penalty, and an investigation was opened with the League on Saturday.
The explanation that opponents were already low did not help matters.
“It is not a situation where Lane makes such a hasty movement that a legal tackle turns into an illegal tackle…Anderson raises himself against Lane, raises himself unnecessarily, and elbows Lane in the head and causes injury.” A statement from the NHL said.
Therefore, Calgary’s main linebacker was suspended for four games. It’s a very harsh punishment. Last season no one had to sit in the stands for more than three games. Rasmus is also missing one of the highlights of the season, an away match at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Arena next weekend. He also takes a pay cut of nearly $95,000 – just over a million kroner. This money goes to the NHL players’ emergency fund.
The exact extent of Patrik Laine’s injury is unknown, but he was unable to participate in Columbus’ road game against Minnesota last night.
