Senators defenseman Jared Cowen will face a hearing for a head hit on the Sabres' Zemgus Girgensens. At 18:02 of the third period, Cowen went across the ice to hit Girgensons as he entered into the Ottawa zone. No penalty was called and Girgensons remained in the game. I'll get to the other hearing in a moment, but let me tell you, if you haven't already heard yet, my philosophy on head hits. You make a head hit, you sit out some games, no matter what. Girgensons did remain in the game, so that tells you the suspension will most likely be between two and three games. I don't expect less or more than that. Remember, head hits will cost you games. Players should know that. Let's get to the other hearing.
Lightning right winger Richard Panik will have a hearing for boarding Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner on Tuesday night. This incident occurred at 16:31 of the second period, when Panik hit Alzner in the neutral zone, driving him into the boards. Alzner remained down briefly, but returned to the game in the third period. Panik was given a five-minute major for boarding. In terms of this suspension, I would expect between two to four. Five-minute majors usually bring along more games for the offender. Driving a player into the boards is generally a scary thing, along with head hits. I would guess three to four games, with even the possibility of two games. We've already seen that happen with the Dan Boyle incident, as well as the Dion Phaneuf suspension. He got two games, so I'm guessing I wouldn't be surprised if Panik also got the same number. But again, a dangerous play with dangerous potential. Gotta sit for those as well.
Brendan Shanahan's been busy this week, already suspending James Neal of the Penguins for five games and Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf for two. He'll have a lot more coming. For now, it's Jared Cowen, Richard Panik, and Shawn Thornton he'll have to deal with.
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