Detroit Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist will sit out six games as a result of his recklessness.
The NHL's department of player safety announced the suspension Wednesday evening, hours after Nyquist was given an opportunity to present a defense. It is the first suspension of Nyquist's career. General manager Ken Holland told the Free Press there will not be an appeal.
Nyquist is tied for third on the team with 29 points. He is eligible to return March 4 at Edmonton. His absence comes as the Wings are desperate to rise from the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but has been expected for three days, ever since Nyquist drew attention for nasty, and unusual, behavior.
During the first period of Sunday's game, Nyquist was engaged in a puck battle along the boards. After being cross-checked from behind by Spurgeon, Nyquist turned around, lifted his stick and speared Spurgeon in the face.
Nyquist was assessed a double-minor for high-sticking on the play. But that severe punishment awaited him became clear as Nyquist was invited to defend himself in person. He turned that down, opting for a phone hearing.
The Wings already were preparing to be without Nyquist Wednesday, with Tomas Tatar practicing in Nyquist's spot on a line with Henrik Zetterberg and Anthony Mantha.
It's a move that could benefit Tatar, who is without a goal in the last six games.
"He hasn't produced the last little bit but he's had lots of chances, and that's what I judge players on," Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said earlier in the day. "If they are getting chances and they stick to it, then, over the long haul, you produce. With his ability, playing with Z, it can be a real good combination. Z's line with Mantha and Nyquist has been our best line over the last four or five games, and I believe that can continue with Tats there."
Zetterberg makes his wings better (Mantha's production took off after gaining Zetterberg as a center, and Nyquist's also spiked), and the Wings can ill afford quiet players as they seek to rise in the standings.
"I think Hank has played great hockey all season; it is always fun to play with him," Tatar said. "We are in a tough spot. We want to play better, and everybody can dig a little deeper and help this team a little more."
Zetterberg said: "I've played with Tuna many games this year; it's worked well. Hopefully, we can create some good offense."
