Chicago Blackhawks' Nick Boynton suspended
The National Hockey League (NHL) announced Thursday the suspension of Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Nick Boynton for a threatening gesture he made to an opponent in a Wednesday night pre-season match between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Although Boynton will be allowed to play in the remainder of the Blackhawks' pre-season games, Boynton will be forced to sit out the Blackhawks' regular season opener against the Colorado Avalanche on October 7th.
The incident in question occurred when Boynton delivered a questionable hit to Tampa's Chris Durno. The hit led to Durno's team-mate Blair Jones taking exception and challenging Boynton with his fists. Boynton took the worst of the encounter and was left
bloodied after the fight. While being led away by the linesman a furious Boynton made a throat slashing gesture toward his opponent. Boynton received a game misconduct.
People around the NHL, and within the Blackhawks organization can look at this particular suspension as the league attempting to send an early message as to what will be considered appropriate behavior as the league recently emphasized its stance on taunting:
"Any identifiable player who uses obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures directed at any person runs the risk of an unsportsmanlike penalty and possible supplemental discipline."
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, who likely expected the NHL to make an example of his player, told the Chicago Daily Herald: "The league has certain things that every year, it's messages they want to send out to the league and players of being aware of certain
things not to do. We're just trying to echo the same message."
This is the second suspension for Nick Boynton. While a member of the Boston Bruins, Boynton was forced to sit out one game of the 2005-2006 season.
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