Duncan Keith has served his five-game suspension for elbowing Vancouver’s Daniel Sedin in the head. During that time, Chicago still managed to post a decent 2-1-2 record while Keith rested up and added some muscle in preparation for the Blackhawks’ playoff run.
“I don’t think taking a suspension is ever a good thing,” Keith said. “But if you’re trying to look for the positives, I guess getting some rest at this point of the year would be beneficial. I didn’t feel like I needed rest. I’ve been able to play a lot of games every year.”
Keith averages 26:53 minutes per game, the second most in the NHL, so for him to get a break just before the playoffs might actually end up helping the Blackhawks in the long run. The difference between Keith getting five games over a purely theoretical seven-game suspension means that he’ll also have a bit of time to shake off the rust before the playoffs start.
That said being said, it is worth adding that Keith forfeited $149,688.15 as a result of this suspension.