The NHL has suspended San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl two games for high-sticking Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm during Sunday’s game, the league announced Monday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Hertl was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for high-sticking Lindholm after the opening faceoff of the third period.
- After Lindholm delivered multiple cross-checks to Hertl’s arm, the San Jose center swung his stick and made contact with Lindholm’s head.
- In a video explanation released by the NHL, the league described the action as “not a reckless or careless use of the stick, but a directed, retaliatory stick swing that strikes an opponent at a dangerous height.”
- Hertl has 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) through 33 games this season.
San Jose’s Tomas Hertl has been suspended for two games for High-sticking Calgary’s Elias Lindholm. https://t.co/WRNmiuyTmE
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 19, 2022
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Was the punishment warranted?
Hertl said he was trying to slash Lindholm’s stick after getting cross-checked and didn’t mean to hit Lindholm in the head/neck area. He also said it was a dumb penalty to take.
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The NHL has been pretty consistent with suspensions when it comes to swinging a stick in the head/neck area, so it’s a fair punishment. Hertl has no history of actions that needed supplemental discipline, but this is one type of illegal act where it’s pretty cut and dry for the league. — Masisak
Who will step up in Hertl’s absence?
The Sharks have essentially been playing with five centers all season and shifting one of Nick Bonino or Steven Lorentz to the wing when they’re all healthy. Logan Couture will likely bump up to the top line in between Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc, while Nico Sturm, Bonino and Lorentz could anchor the other three lines.
This could be a spot to give one of their top prospects, William Eklund or Thomas Bordeleau, a two-game audition, but they’ve been reluctant to recall any of the young forwards on the Barracuda roster to this point. — Masisak
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(Photo: Stan Szeto / USA Today)
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