Blackhawks' Duncan Keith Offered In-Person Hearing For High Sticking, Could Miss Postseason Time
(CBS) Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith has been offered an in-person hearing with NHL's Department of Player Safety after high sticking Wild center Charlie Coyle in Tuesday's loss, meaning a suspension of six or more games is in play.
The Blackhawks have five regular-season games left, so his suspension could extend into the postseason. Keith could waive the offer to attend the in-person hearing and instead do it over the phone, though players typically show up in person. If the suspension is for six games or more, Keith will have the right to appeal it.
Keith was ejected in receiving a match penalty for intent to injury midway through the first period following the ugly incident. After being knocked to the ice by Coyle, Keith swung his stick at Coyle's face, cutting him on the nose.
This wasn't Keith's first serious high sticking transgression. During the Western Conference finals in 2013, Keith was suspended for one game for high sticking Kings center Jeff Carter.