Anaheim defenseman Chris Pronger received a one-game suspension on Sunday for his hit to the head of Ottawa forward Dean McAmmond in Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup finals.
Pronger, also given a one-game ban during the NHL playoff semi-finals, leveled McAmmond with a forearm on Saturday night in the Ducks' 5-3 loss to the Senators.
He was to miss Game 4 of the series last night and is eligible to return for Game 5 back in Anaheim tomorrow.
PHOTO: AP
It is the sixth career NHL suspension for the four-time All-Star and the second in these playoffs.
During the previous round against the Red Wings, Pronger was banned for Game 4 after his hit to the head of Detroit forward Tomas Holmstrom against the boards.
"The positive things that Chris Pronger brings to the table far outweigh the negatives," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said moments after the announcement.
"We live with the suspension and we move forward," he said.
Pronger wasn't penalized on the ice for either of the hits that led to his suspensions.
"A variety of factors were considered in reaching this decision," the NHL's senior executive vice president and disciplinarian Colin Campbell said.
"Mr. Pronger used his forearm to deliver a forceful hit to the head of his opponent. Also, his actions caused injury to his opponent," he said.
McAmmond, who is 18cm shorter and 14kg lighter than Pronger, was struck as he skated with the puck toward the Ducks net.
He spun, fell backward, struck his head on the ice and slid into the corner in the Anaheim zone at 2:01 of the third period.
"Just because you have a height advantage doesn't mean you can deliver an elbow to the head," Campbell said.
"To us, an elbow to the head is a dangerous play regardless of the player's size," he said.
McAmmond briefly lost consciousness, Senators coach Bryan Murray said, but there was no official announcement on whether the veteran of 14 NHL seasons sustained a concussion after the hit by Pronger.
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