Boston Bruins forward facing likely suspension after deliberate head shot

Yesterday Georges Parros and the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting would be suspended for 3 games for his illegal check to the head of Erik Cernak. Today the DOPS will likely be heading back into the office to review last night's game between the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers. The most likely play to receive supplemental discipline will be Tomas Nosek's elbow to the face of Eric Staal.

The play occurred late in the 3rd period the Bruins already trailing 6-2. As Staal throws the puck around the back boards, Nosek then closes the gap with the puck clearly out of sight and delivers the elbow directly to the face of Staal. The elbow sent Staal to the ice and ended his night.


On the play somehow the officials assessed no penalty, despite the deliberate nature of the play. However, it's expected that Player Safety will review and issue a punishment for this hit. It's hard to believe that if Bunting received 3 games that Nosek won't be looking at a similar punishment.