Vancouver's Hansen Suspended One Game For Hit On Blackhawks Hossa

By Chuck Sudo in News on Feb 21, 2013 5:00PM

The National Hockey League suspended Vancouver Canucks forward Jannik Hansen one game for his hit on Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa. Here’s video of NHL head disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan explaining why Hansen was suspended and how he came to that decision.

Hansen hit Hossa in the back of the head early in the third period of Chicago's 4-3 shootout win, which tied them with the 2006-07 Anaheim Ducks for the best points streak to start a regular season. Hossa laid on the ice for several moments after the hit and eventually left the ice on his own, but didn't return to the game.

Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said Hossa seemed to be in better shape than he was after the hit from Phoenix's Raffi Torres in last season's Stanley Cup playoffs that ended his season. Reports as of post time have Hossa on the ice practicing with the Blackhawks. His status for Friday night's game against San Jose is still uncertain.