Connolly hit with multi-game ban for hit that put Kero in the hospital.

The National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety has hit Chicago Blackhawks forward Brett Connolly with a significant suspension after a violent hit on Saturday night put Dallas Stars forward Tanner Kero in the hospital.

On Sunday the league officially announced that it would be suspending Connolly for 4 games, this on top of the 5 minute major penalty he got on Saturday and on top of the fact that he was ejected from that game after just 3 minutes of play in the game's opening period. This effectively ends up being a 5 game ban for Connolly, and I think that is a pretty fair ruling all things considered.

First and foremost you just knew that the optics of this situation were going to result in Connolly getting some time off. Kero was knocked out cold before he ever hit the ice, and the fact that he had to leave on a stretcher and the fact that he was taken to hospital meant that the Stars and their fans expected a significant punishment. Additionally the fact that this was a clear cut case of interference, with Kero having never touched the puck on the play, also left little doubt that Connolly had broken the rules.

As I stated in our original story on this matter however I do not believe that Connolly went into this hit with the intent of hurting Kero. Although I am only speculating, I suspect that Connolly expected Kero to make a play with the puck along the boards when he lined him up for the hit. That combined with the fact that Connolly seemed demonstrably upset after the hit, suggested to me that this was bad judgement rather than malice.

That being said I don't think we will have heard the last of this. Players like Dallas Stars veteran Joe Pavelski were visibly emotional following the game, and I believe the Stars will be looking for a measure of revenge when these 2 teams cross paths once again.

For a full break down of the NHL's ruling on this matter, you can check out the video below: