Chris Stewart Suspended 3 Games

Chris Stewart has been suspended for the next three games following his hit on Niklas Kronwall during last night’s 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Following the hit, Stewart received a five minute boarding penalty as well as a misconduct, sending him to the showers early. It comes as no surprise that the NHL has decided to suspend Stewart as his hit falls directly into the category of hits the NHL is trying to eliminate.

Following Stewart’s hit, my initial reaction was that a two to four game suspension was looming. It turns out that the actual suspension falls directly between my guess, a three-game suspension that really no one can argue with.

The decision by the NHL can been seen below, with an explanation on why the hit was illegal and why the suspension is being given.

My hope is that some time away from the game may actually benefit Stewart as he hasn’t been producing at the rate we all thought he would. Perhaps taking in the game from a different perspective for a few nights will clear his mind and get him back to lighting the lamp on a regular basis.