NHL suspends Flames’ Dennis Wideman 20 games for knocking down linesman

According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Wideman will likely appeal the suspension.

During the second period of the Flames’ game against Nashville last Wednesday, Wideman got up after being hit and was skating toward the Flames’ bench when he cross-checked Henderson, who had his back to the defenceman. Officially, Wideman was cited for violating Rule 40, which covers physical abuse of officials.

The 32-year-old from Kitchener, Ont., was summoned to Toronto for a hearing with the NHL’s department of hockey operations Tuesday.

Wideman was suspended indefinitely on Thursday, and had his hearing with the National Hockey League yesterday.

First off, the most important thing here is that an official was sent to the ice by the actions of a player, whether intentional or unintentional.

After the game, Wideman said he didn’t see the ref as he skated off the ice. Henderson spent the night in hospital with concussion like symptoms. Based on the 20-game ban, the league must have strongly felt that this situation was avoidable and also took into account Henderson’s apparent injuries. He can then appeal further to a neutral arbitrator if the suspension is still six or more games after Bettman rules. Some have argued that that Salomaki’s hit may have left Wideman disoriented (or possibly concussed) and he may have been caught offguard and mistaken Henderson for an opposing player.