Max Talbot Suspended Two Games For Hit On Jiri Tlusty
BOSTON (CBS) -- Max Talbot's spent much of this season bouncing between Boston and Providence, but he'll spend the next two games in the press box.
The veteran forward was issued a two-game suspension by the NHL's department of player safety for his hit Sunday night on New Jersey's Jiri Tlusty.
"This is interference. What elevates this hit to merit supplemental discipline is its extreme lateness and the predatory nature of the hit," the NHL explained in the accompanying video. "Talbot does not initiate the hit until well past the time a player should have to remain prepared for an opponent finishing a check. The onus is on Talbot to avoid contact completely."
It is the first suspension of Talbot's career. In 13 games this season, he has one goal and zero assists. Last year, in 18 games for Boston, he had no goals and three assists.
The Bruins host the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night and the Sabres on Saturday night. Talbot will be eligible to return on Sunday in Ottawa.