NHL suspends Kings defenseman Tom Gilbert for three games for boarding

Kings defenseman Tom Gilbert drew a three-game suspension Thursday from the NHL for boarding Ducks left wing Nick Ritchie in the second period of Tuesday’s game at Staples Center. Gilbert must sit out the Kings’ games Thursday against the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday against the Calgary Flames and Tuesday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is eligible to play again Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens, the second-game of a five-game trip for the Kings.

Gilbert also must forfeit $23,333.34, based on his annual salary of $1.4 million.

Here’s the link to the NHL’s video explanation: https://www.nhl.com/video/t-277440360/c-45969003.

Kings coach Darryl Sutter didn’t agree the play was worth scrutinizing, let alone worthy of a suspension.

“I totally disagree that there should be any sort of hearing or anything at all,” Sutter said before the suspension was announced Thursday afternoon. “Usually, I’m all in the ‘what the right call’ (category), but I totally disagree. I think there were ones on him that should have been looked at. I totally disagree. That’s just the way I feel. I was shocked and surprised to hear that (the NHL would review the play).”

 

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email