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The Carolina Hurricanes should be riding high after Thursday night’s win against the St. Louis Blues. The Hurricanes ended a two game losing skid against the best team in the Western Conference. Goaltender Cam Ward picked up his 200th career win, and 20th shutout of the season on a 40 shot night. Plus forward Jeff Skinner became the team’s first 20 goal scorer of the season on a beautiful goal (goal of the year candidate?)

Unfortunately, as it seems to be the status quo for the Hurricanes this season, good news is soon followed by bad news. Today NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan announced that the league has decided to suspend Jeff Skinner for the next two – games because of an incident that happened in the second period of Thursday night’s game.

In the final minute of the second period against the Blues, Jeff Skinner (who was lying on the ice along the boards) used his skate in an effort to push St. Louis Blues forward Scott Nichol away off of the puck. In the video *which I’ve provided a link to at the bottom of this post* Mr. Shanahan cited rule 49.1 under which Skinner violated.

“Rule 49.1 – Kicking: The Action of a player deliberately using his skate or skates with a kicking motion to propel the puck or to contact an opponent.”

“Regardless of whether Skinner thought he needed to protect himself or disengage himself from an opponent, any intentional or reckless use of the skate blade in this manner is extremely dangerous and unacceptable,” NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan said.

According to Shanahan the following issues factored in to the decision to suspend Skinner:

Scott Nichol wasn’t injured Skinner was warned just 24 hours by the league after a slew – footing incident.

According to the team, Skinner will forfeit $9,729.72 to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund for the two games he misses.

As a fan, I’m completely okay with the punishment handed out, I’d think anywhere between 1 and 3 games would have been acceptable. This was a very dumb move, and very dangerous regardless of whether or not Skinner thought he had his skate in a safe spot. Obviously a warning from the league (just 24 hours prior) wasn’t getting through to Skinner so maybe the next two games off will give him time to reflect.

This isn’t the end of the world, he’s young and he’ll learn (like everyone has too), he’s just got to get through the next couple of weeks and then he’ll have all summer to recuperate and refocus.

Click to see the video

Your Call: Does it seem like Jeff Skinner is playing with a “chip” on his shoulder lately?

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