NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL barred Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman 20 games on Wednesday for cross-checking a linesman last week, the second-longest suspension in NHL history for abusing an official.
Wideman was suspended for violating the league rule on physical abuse of officials after he knocked down linesman Don Henderson during the Flames' game against Nashville on Jan. 27. The league cited Rule 40 in handing out the harsh penalty.
In a video explaining the suspension, the NHL said Wideman was diagnosed with a concussion after that game, but said being disoriented as a result of a hit was no excuse for "the nature and severity of the offense he committed on the ice.