How Many Games for Jesse Winchester?

I said the Florida Panthers had problems beyond the coaching staff. Well, it looks like they might be without forward Jesse Winchester for a couple of games.

The Department of Player Safety has announced that they will hold a hearing with Winchester over his elbow hit against the Boston Bruins' Chris Kelly. The incident occurred at 4:57 of the first period in the Bruins zone. Winchester's skates were off the ice when his elbow connected with Kelly's jaw.

No penalty was called, but Gregory Campbell of the Bruins fought Winchester in the next shift. Kelly went to the dressing room but was able to return to the game. Winchester scored the only goal in the Panthers' 4-1 loss to the Bruins.

The league said the hearing will take place by phone, so that means five games or fewer. It was directed towards the head, so you have to sit for a few games when you do that. And I expected it to be by phone. This wasn't a serious hit and Kelly was able to return to the ice, so I would expect for Winchester to be suspended for at least two to three games. But missing him for a few games puts a lot of pressure on the Panthers, because they have virtually nothing on offense and defense to help this team. Losing Winchester basically writes them off for a few games.