Dallas Stars defenceman Alex Goligoski lays on the ice after being hit by Winnipeg Jets forward Anthony Peluso (not shown) during the second period at MTS Centre in Winnipeg on Dec. 14.Bruce Fedyck
Winnipeg forward Anthony Peluso was suspended for three games for boarding Stars defenceman Alex Goligoski in the Jets' 6-4 loss to Dallas on Saturday night.
Peluso drove his shoulder into Goligoski's back at the 15:28 mark of the second period after the Stars' defenceman passed the puck up the ice and out of Dallas's end. Goligoski went face first into the boards, cutting his face.
"Goligoski makes no movements just prior to, or simultaneous with, this hit to turn his back to Peluso," said an NHL spokesman in an explanatory video. "Rather, Peluso sees Goligoski's back for some time and distance before he delivers the check.
"Therefore, the onus is entirely upon Peluso to avoid this check completely, or, at the very least, minimize its force."
Peluso was assessed a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct on the play. Goligoski required 12 stitches after the hit, but returned to the ice later in the game.
Peluso will forfeit US$8,653.86 during the ban. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
The 24-year-old Peluso has not been suspended before. He has only played five games in the NHL.