Anaheim Ducks’ Corey Perry Suspended 4 Games For Hit On Zucker

Feb 26, 2013; St. Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward

(16) celebrates his goal during the third period against the Calgary Flames at the Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Flames 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL Department Of Player Safety has suspended Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry 4 games for his hit on the Wild’s Jason Zucker.  The hit occurred during the second period of Tuesday nights game at the “X”.  Zucker had sent the puck up ice almost to the blue line, nearly a full second later Perry hit Zucker illegally.  In the words of Rob Blake from the Dept. Of Player Safety the hit was, “reckless ” , “Late and illegal”. Perry will lose $115,135.12 in salary during the suspension. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.  For video of the hit and the NHL’s decision along with a full explanation click here.  The hit was unnecessary and blatantly illegal.  Perry is a better player than that.  Does he really think that delivering that kind of cheap shot would enhance his reputation?  What in idiot. Perry is already a star in the league and now he’s just added cheap shot artist to his resume.  Perry claims that he had already committed to the hit and was unable to alter his course.  If that is true he is much less of a skilled skater than previously thought.  Maybe he just thought that little act wouldn’t be caught on camera?  Whatever he was thinking his hit left a young NHL’er laying motionless on the ice.  Zucker did skate briefly today wearing a warm up suit.  He is listed by the Wild as day to day and will miss tomorrow’s home game against the Colorado Avalanche. GonePuckWild will keep you updated as more information becomes available.