Nashville forward Rich Clune gets to avoid having an awkward conversation with Brendan Shanahan.
Joshua Cooper of The Tennessean reports the NHL will not be seeking additional punishment for the rugged Predators forward for his late, high hit on Columbus’ Artem Anisimov. The league explained why Clune won’t be disciplined to Cooper:
According to the league, Clune hit Anisimov .45 seconds after release of the puck, which was not late enough for supplemental discipline. The league also said the hit itself was legal.
Clune was assessed a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct for the hit that left Anisimov cut and bloodied but otherwise uninjured. The Predators persevered without Clune, beating the Blue Jackets 5-2.