The NHL suspended Penguins defenseman Robert Bortuzzo for two games for his hit on New Jersey Devils forward Jaromir Jagr, the league's Department of Player Safety announced Wednesday.
Jagr was injured on the play, which occurred at 17 minutes, 57 seconds of the second period Tuesday. He did not return, and he did not practice Wednesday.
This is the first suspension for Bortuzzo, who likely will be replaced by Brian Dumoulin for Thursday's game against the Vancouver Canucks at Consol Energy Center. He is eligible to return Monday against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
Bortuzzo will forfeit $6,451.62, which goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
“Well after Jagr has released the puck and at a point after which a body check is no longer legal, Bortuzzo drives through Jagr's chest and chin with his chest and shoulder, knocking Jagr out of a tied game in the second period,” the NHL's explanation video said.
“This is interference. What elevates this hit to merit supplemental discipline is its extreme lateness, its predatory nature and the significant head contact that results from the way it is delivered.”
Bortuzzo said he saw the hit differently than the NHL.
“I wasn't targeting anything in that way,” Bortuzzo said after practice. “I've watched it a few times. I believe I made contact with the chest. It was a full-body check.”
The NHL called Jagr “defenseless at the moment of contact.” It said “the onus is entirely upon Bortuzzo to avoid contact completely, and he has ample time to do so.
“Instead, he drives forcefully through this dangerous hit.”
Jason Mackey is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at jmackey@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Mackey_Trib.
