Flames’ Dennis Wideman suspended 20 games for hit on linesman

With Wideman now out of the picture for 20 games, barring an appeal and subsequent change, the Flames are in line to lose one of their most dependable defensemen during a crucial part of the schedule. Wideman didn’t check on Henderson’s status after he hit him, but did skate over to where the officials were gathered and apologized during the next stoppage in play.

During the second period of the Flames’ 2-1 loss to Nashville on January 27, Wideman was checked hard into the boards by Predators winger Miikka Salomak.

Wideman’s hearing with the league’s department of hockey operations was Tuesday, and the NHL wasted little time in rendering its decision.

Henderson was knocked to the ice and was taken to hospital for evaluation and released.

If he serves that 20-game ban, Wideman will forfeit almost a quarter of his annual salary.

I was just trying to get off the ice and kind of keeled over.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that any suspension over six games will likely result in Wideman appealing to a neutral arbitrator. Wideman said the hit was unintentional. The 32-year-old defenceman insisted that he didn’t see the backward-skating linesman until the last-second and couldn’t avoid a collision, although that doesn’t explain the cross-check he delivered to Henderson’s back.

The former Knight is in his fourth season with the Flames and 11th in the National Hockey League.

Barring a reduction of his suspension, Wideman won’t be able to return to Calgary’s lineup until March 11th.