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Niederreiter suffered concussion on Fistric headshot

Nino Niederreiter

New York Islanders’ Nino Niederreiter (25) skates past a sign wishing him good luck during the practice before the NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, in Uniondale, N.Y. (AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek)

AP

The New York Islanders announced rookie forward Nino Niederreiter suffered a concussion after getting leveled by Dallas’ Mark Fistric. PHT discussed the hit last night; here’s the video for those that haven’t seen it:

Niederreiter underwent a neuro-psych exam today, after which the Isles confirmed he had a concussion. Focus will now undoubtedly turn to Fistric and NHL discipline czar Brendan Shanahan, featuring the usual questions: Did Fistric made initial contact with the head? Did he lead with his shoulder? Did he leave his feet on the play? Also consider that Niederreiter’s concussion is now public knowledge, which could also play into Sherrif Shanahan’s decision. (The “our guy is out, so should be the guy that put him there” argument.)

Something else to consider is Fistric’s potential “repeat offender” classification. Two seasons ago, he was fined $2,500 for punching Eric Nystrom with Nystrom’s helmet during a fight; last season, he delivered a questionable elbow to the head of Johan Franzen.