Anaheim's James Wisniewski Suspended Eight Games

Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski said his eight-game suspension announced Thursday evening "is incredibly hard to swallow" and pointed to other recent hits that resulted in little to no sanctions leveied by the NHL.

The suspension comes a day after he forced Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook out of the game with a second-period check along the boards. The league said in a news release that Wisniewski delivered "a hit to the head area of an unsuspecting opponent."

"I am truly sorry that my friend Brent Seabrook was hurt on the play," Wisniewski said in a statement. "I certainly wish him the best. I am, however, very disappointed in the length of the suspension. Eight games is incredibly hard to swallow, especially in comparison to other recent hits that have resulted in lesser punishment."

Washington Capitals All-star winger Alex Ovechkin is currently serving a two-game ban after his shove of another Blackhawks defenseman, Brian Campbell. Campbell broke his collarbone and at least one rib and could be out for the season.

But NHL Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell didn't discipline Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke after he blindsided Boston's Marc Savard, who had to be carted off with a concussion. Campbell has come under fire in recent weeks for the way he dishes out supplementary discipline and the league is working with union officials to craft new rules that punish those who deliver head shots.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray said he hopes Wisniewski hasn't been made a scapegoat.

"It just seems that Wiz at this point because of the climate of the league is an easy target," Murray said. "I sure as heck hope that if we're going to crack down, that it is a crack down across the board no matter if you're a star player or not and that everybody gets whacked. It can't just be on certain people at the right time. Nothing makes you cringe more than when you see some of the hits this year. All I say is, if you're going to get them, let's get them all."

The collision in question occurred in the second period, not long after Seabrook checked Ducks forward Corey Perry. Wisniewski left his feet and and shoved Seabrook's head into the glass and he appeared dazed as he collapsed onto the ice.


"Mr. Wisniewski delivered a retaliatory hit to the head of an opponent who never had possession of the puck," Colin Campbell said in a statement. "The fact that Mr. Wisniewski is a repeat offender also entered into this decision."

Seabrook was able to skate off on his own but did not return to the game. Wisniewski received a minor penalty for charging.

Wisniewski's suspension is the longest since Chris Pronger, then a member of the Ducks, was given eight games for stomping Vancouver's Ryan Kesler in March 2008. This is Wisniewski's second suspension of the season, having already sat out two games after a hit on Phoenix's Shane Doan.

Wisniewski forfeits $268,292 in salary --- money that goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund --- and he's eligible to return April 3 against the Los Angeles Kings.