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Brad Staubitz and James Wisniewski suspended for separate incidents in same game

Winnepeg Jets v Columbus BlueJackets

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: James Wisniewski #21 of the Columbus Blue Jackets tries to control the puck during the game against the Winnipeg Jets on September 20, 2011 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus Ohio. The Blue Jackets defeated the Jets 5-1. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)

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Safe to say that Brendan Shanahan is going to be diligent with his new job as the NHL disciplinarian.

Last night’s preseason game between Columbus and Minnesota yielded two separate incidents that caught Shanahan’s attention leading to suspensions. Wild forward Brad Staubitz was given a five-minute major for checking from behind and a game misconduct early in the third period of last night’s game leading Shanahan to suspend him indefinitely pending review of the incident.

Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski caught Wild forward Cal Clutterbuck with an illegal blow to the head at the conclusion of last night’s game also earning him an indefinite suspension pending review.

Under Shanahan’s watch, these are the third and fourth suspensions he’s handed out. The first was Calgary’s Pierre-Luc Letorneau-Leblond getting sat down for six games while Philadelphia’s Jody Shelley was given a ten game ban for his hit from behind on Toronto’s Darryl Boyce.

At this point if players don’t realize they’re dealing with a different kind of ruler in Shanahan, they’re foolish. Shanahan’s position as a recent player in the league is clearly not affecting his judgment in handing out suspensions. Fans and players who were hoping to see normalcy put in place regarding discipline are getting their wish as Shanahan is showing no mercy. Here’s to hoping that fans won’t get up in arms when their players come under fire.