Flyers forward Chris VandeVelde has been suspended two games for what the NHL’s Department of Player safety called a “reckless elbow” to the head of Chicago captain Jonathan Toews on Wednesday night.
“VandeVelde is in control of this play from the start,” the DoPS said in its explanatory video. “This is not a high-speed play, in which the speed or sudden movements of both players dramatically increased the force or otherwise alter the outcome of the hit.
“VandeVelde mistimed his hit, lunges, and extends his elbow in an attempt to get a piece of his opponent.”
The incident occurred at 19:30 of the first period, and VandeVelde was assessed a minor penalty for elbowing. Toews was briefly shaken up on the play, but did return to log over 19 minutes of ice time.
VandeVelde will now miss Philly’s next two games -- Saturday against Pittsburgh, Monday against the Islanders -- and will be eligible to return on Tuesday, Mar. 22, for a date in Columbus.
He will also forfeit $7,661.30 in salary to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.