Claude Giroux was informed by the NHL that he will be suspended for Game 5 of the Second Round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs because of an illegal hit on the Devils Dainius Zubrus.
It came in the Second Period, as Zubrus had brought the puck up the ice. He passed it over the middle, and a full second later, Giroux came in and delivered a crushing blow to the head of Zubrus.
He used his shoulder, and completely targeted the head.
Frankly, Shanahan got this right. However, he has no precedent to show that Giroux deserved this one game suspension. His way of handing out suspensions is one that confuses many.
What is very prominent in his decision of suspending players is whether the player was injured or not. Carl Hagelin received 3 games when Daniel Alfredsson suffered a concussion. Zubrus was able to walk off the ice.
Giroux, who many were calling for Captain, may have just screwed his team over.
Here is the Shanahan video. Shanahan cited Rule 48: illegal check to the head. Essentially stating contact to the head when targeted is illegal. Shanahan also points out that Giroux yelled at the referee, which is completely irrelevant. Yet, Shanahan says the "slamming of his stick" and the target of his head is worth the game suspension.
In a statement, Giroux said that he "respects the decision, and is ready to move on."
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