Carl Hagelin Hit Forces 3-Game Suspension From Rangers (VIDEO)
A New York Ranger's rookie hit could rule out the Ottowa captain during playoffs, putting the Rangers in a better position to take home the Stanley Cup. Aggressive behavior however, is not typical of the rookie who has said that he would "never want to hurt anyone on the ice."
Hagelin was drafted by the New York Rangers in 2011, making his first NHL debut in November with an assist against the Washington Capitals. Now, after having a fairly successful breakthrough season, the mostly mild rookie may face serious consequences in the NHL.
During the Rangers' Friday night game against the Ottowa Senators, Hageline struck Ottowa captain Daniel Alfredsson with an elbow to the head. Alfredson was forced to leave the ice following the hit, and may now suffer from a possible concussion.
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Due to recent news that has surfaced about the seriousness of concussions, the NHL has attempted to crack down on the issue with far harsher penalties than those that were executed before. While the 23-year-old rookie doesn't appear to have a single major penalty on his record prior to the incident, the player was still given a harsh 3-game suspension.
The Rangers were projected to do well this season, but the team has exceeded expectations and risen to number one in the Eastern conference. Taking home the Stanley cup could mean a victory after 18 years of disappointing losses, which may raise questions around the incidental injury and subsequent punishement.
While the Senators still went home with a 3-2 win, with Alfredson out of the game, the Rangers may stand a better chance now at taking home the Stanley cup.
Although the New York team stated that they would not contest the punishment, they also revealed in statement that the penalty seemed harsh.
"We are thoroughly perplexed in the ruling's inconsistency with other supplementary discipline decisions that have been made throughout this season and during the playoffs," the team said in statement.
Hagelin also showed his remorse for the elbow.
"I never want to hurt anyone on the ice," he told the NY Times. "That's not the type of player I am."
