Breaking: Sundqvist suspended for hit on Grzelcyk

This just in, NHL Player Safety has suspended St. Louis Blues forward Oscar Sundqvist for his hit on Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk.

In case you missed it last night, late in the first period of Game 2 last night Sundqvist absolutely BURIED Grzelcyk from behind, running Grzelcyk's head directly into the end glass.

Here’s the hit in question:

Grzelcyk left the game and did not return and following last night’s overtime loss, Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy confirmed that Grzelcyk had been taken to the hospital for testing. 

Check it out:

You have to feel for Grzelcyk, he’s been such a good player for the Bruins down the stretch and into the playoffs. The 25 year old Charleston, MA native has seven points in 19 playoff games, but more than that he’s been logging big minutes on a regular basis. He’s strong defensively, can skate well and is a great defensive zone passer. If he’s out for any significant length of time, he’ll be sorely missed.
 
No word yet from the NHL or NHL Player Safety as to whether or not this hit will be reviewed for supplemental discipline, but legendary CBC broadcaster and hockey analyst Don Cherry feels the blame for the hit lies entirely at Grzelcyk’s feet.

“You never, ever go in the corners like this,” Cherry said Wednesday during the ‘Coach’s Corner’ segment of Hockey Night in Canada. “He didn’t mean to hit him, he was just finishing his check.”

“Look how he goes in, head-first, he’s just asking for it,” Cherry said. “I don’t blame the guy — he’s just finishing his check, he didn’t mean to hit him in the head. You never go in the corner like that — you never, ever do it like that. You’re just asking for it.”

It’s true that Grzelcyk’s turns at the last possible moment as he takes a swipe at the puck, but will NHL Player Safety use this as part of their criteria for determining whether or not its a suspendible hit? 

One thing’s for sure, with two days off to rest before Saturday’s Game 3 from St. Louis, the Bruins could use all the down time they can get. They were reduced to four defensemen for a period of time last night and were clearly feeling the affects. A rest day today and tomorrow and a healthy Grzelcyk for Game 3 could make all the difference in the world.