Lightning’s Scott Sabourin Suspended Four Games
- Austin Sabourin of the Tampa Bay Lightning has been suspended four games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for a "sucker punch" to the head of Morgan...
- * The Incident: Sabourin delivered a clean check, but then followed it up with an un-gloved punch to Ekblad's head.
Hear’s a summary of the article, focusing on the key details:
Austin Sabourin of the Tampa Bay Lightning has been suspended four games by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for a “sucker punch” to the head of Morgan Ekblad of the Florida Panthers during a preseason game.
Key Points:
* The Incident: Sabourin delivered a clean check, but then followed it up with an un-gloved punch to Ekblad’s head.
* Intent: The Department of Player Safety steadfast the punch was intentional, a form of retribution, and meant to send a message.
* Impact of Suspension: Because Sabourin is primarily an AHL player (with only 4 NHL games played in the last two seasons), the suspension won’t instantly affect his ability to play in the AHL. He must be on an NHL roster for four games for the suspension to be served. It’s possible he could wait a long time for the opportunity to serve the suspension.
* Past Discipline: This isn’t sabourin’s first disciplinary action, having been fined in 2020.
* Context: The Department of Player Safety also considered the history between the two teams when making their decision.