Buffalo's Patrick Kaleta faces 'in-person hearing' for hit to Blue Jackets' Jack Johnson
Barely three minutes into the Blue Jackets' 4-1 win over Buffalo, a pair of fights broke out. At first, it looked to be the typical skirmish between players. Upon further review, not so much.
Buffalo's Patrick Kaleta was tied up in a fight with Jared Boll, but it appears as if Boll engaged in the fight after a cheap shot was delivered to the head of Jack Johnson.
Now the question is - will Kaleta be suspended for the hit? It appears as if the answer is "yes".
Kaleta has been called in for an in-person hearing with the NHL. From the league;
At 3:10 of the first period, Kaleta collided with Columbus defenseman Jack Johnson near the boards just inside the Buffalo zone. No penalty was assessed for that hit, but Kaleta received a fighting major after engaging with the Blue Jackets' Jared Boll after the hit. Johnson remained in the game.The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: illegal check to the head. However, the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review.
Kaleta has been suspended in each of the previous two seasons, a total of 12 games spread out over three separate suspensions. Expect this time-out to last longer than five games, according to NHL experts.
The league's vice-president, Brendan Shanahan, made it clear early on that shots like this would not be condoned.
We'll bring you the latest news when the league makes their decision.
