Antoine Vermette 10 game Suspension
Cobra....The NHL today handed down an automatic 10 game suspension to Vermette for touching an official without intent to injure... it`s the right call by the rule......HOWEVER.....the official (linesman) in question should also receive a lengthy suspension for inciting and escalating the situation leading to Vermette`s indiscretion. Over the last few years(esp with wide audiences in the playoffs) linesman have come to the conclusion we turn in to watch them hold mini-conferences in every faceoff circle along with fake drops etc etc. How many times have you heard...."drop the freakin` puck"?. Officials inciting players isn`t something new and the NHL will indeed back their officials but besides punishing the player I would also like them to hold the official in question held responsible for his actions. Watch how many times in how many faceoffs the official in question incited Vermette to the point Vermette made his indiscretion.
TSN
Vermette was ejected in the third period of his team's win over the Minnesota Wild Tuesday night for intentionally slashing a linesman after a faceoff. Vermette was given a 10-minute game misconduct for the incident.
The 34-year-old centre appeared upset with the ref after a faceoff before intentionally hitting him in the back of the leg with his stick.
Vermette's infraction falls under Rule 40.3 of the NHL rule book, which calls for an automatic 10-game suspension.
Rule 40.3 states: Any player who deliberately applies physical force to an official in any manner (excluding actions as set out in Category I), which physical force is applied without intent to injure, or who spits on an official, shall be automatically suspended for not less than ten (10) games.
Category I infractions (Rule 40.2) deal with intent to injure infractions and carries an automatic 20-game suspension.
Vermette, who was bought out by the Arizona Coyotes last summer, has eight goals and 14 points in 58 games with Anaheim. He is playing in the first season of a two-year with Ducks.
