Bruins Ference Suspended 3-Games
BOSTON (CBS) – Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference has been suspended for three games by the NHL for his hit on Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss.
NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan explained the suspension on NHL.com, saying Ference made a shove from behind causing McDonagh to crash violently into the boards. Although there was no malicious intent, Shanahan called it a reckless shove from behind and a textbook example for new boarding rule.
"You never want to see a player suspended," head coach Claude Julien said prior to Sunday's game. "But at the same time there are rules in place and it's a game that's played on the edge. What's clear is that Ference isn't a dirty player. He's a player that supports what the league is trying to do."
This is the first suspension of Ference's 12-year career. He began serving the suspension on Sunday, missing Boston's 6-5 shootout win over the Flyers.
Read: Bruins-Flyers Preview
Ference shoved McDonagh into the end boards during overtime on Saturday, and was assessed a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct.
The Rangers scored the winning goal on the ensuing power play with 3.6 seconds remaining in overtime.
The Bruins will turn to Steven Kampfer in Ference's absence. Kampfer has one assists in seven games played this season.
This will be the Bruins third suspension of the season, tying them for most by a team with the Calgary Flames. Milan Lucic and Brad Marchand were both suspended in the past two months.
