Testwuide could face suspension

September 24, 2011

Last night in the Flyer's 3-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings, the Flyer's Mike Testwuide hit Detroit's Brendan Smith from behind in to the boards.

The hit occured halfway through the first period. After the puck was dumped in to Detroit's zone, Smith went over to get the puck in the corner, while Testwuide came flying down the ice.

At the last second, Smith turned his around, facing the boards. At that point, Testwuide couldn't stop, and checked Smith face first in to the boards.

Testwuide received a five minute major for the hit. He also received a game misconduct and was ejected from the game.

Now, Testwuide and the Flyers are waiting to see if he will be suspended, for the NHL's new "Czar of Discipline" Mike Shannahan has zero tolerance for blind hits and head shots.

Shannahan already handed a 10 game suspension to Jody Shelley, for a hit similar to Testwuide's. Shelley hit Toronto's Darryl Boyce from behind, recieving a five minute boarding major, a game misconduct during Wednesday night's game against the Maple Leafs. Shelley was suspended by the NHL the next day.

I will keep you updated on Testwuide's status, as soon as more details emerge.