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Wideman suspended indefinitely, will have hearing after All-Star Game

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A curious development took place in Wednesday's game between the Predators and Flames when Dennis Wideman levels a lineman with a cross-check in the back as he's skating to the bench. Did he do it on purpose?

The league has decided to hold a hearing with Dennis Wideman after the All-Star break in response to him knocking linesman Don Henderson to the ice during Wednesday’s game, but in the meantime the Calgary Flames defenseman has been suspended indefinitely, per TSN’s Darren Dreger.

As you can see in the video above, Wideman appeared to shove Henderson on his way back to the bench, but the blueliner argued it was “completely unintentional.” That’s an important distinction because rule 40.3 calls for an automatic 10-game suspension for players that apply physical force to an official, but only if such action was deliberate. So the league’s final judgment could ultimately be a reflection on whether or not they buy Wideman’s version of events.

Henderson spent the night in the hospital. He went through the concussion protocol and was dealing with neck pains and nausea.

Calgary’s next game will be on Feb. 3 against Carolina. If Wideman is suspended for 10 games, then he won’t be eligible to play until Feb. 23 versus Los Angeles.