Antoine Vermette isn't known around the league for being a bad guy but he crossed the line last night. After he took the drop he proceeded to take a chop at the back of the linesman's leg.
It doesn't matter what may have been going between the two or what was said, it was unprovoked. This is not the same as two players mixing it up and someone taking a whack. Anyone who has played any sports knows better, no matter what sport or what league, you never touch an official.
As a result of his disgusting display he has received a category II suspension as outlined below.
| 40.3 |
Automatic Suspension - Category II - Any player or goalkeeper who deliberately applies physical force to an official in any manner (excluding actions as set out in Category I), which physical force is applied without intent to injure, shall be automatically suspended for not less than ten (10) games. |
This is an automatic 10 game suspension and he could miss more games if the league chooses to give him more at a hearing.
I personally think he deserves more than 10 games just because of how classless the move was. It may not look like much but that is an unprotected area of the body on a defenseless linesman who was looking the other way. It doesn't get any cheaper than that.
https://twitter.com/NHLAIIAccess/status/831721639578591236
