Robert Bortuzzo Suspended Two Games For Hit On Jagr
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - Following this hit on Jaromir Jagr, Penguins Defenseman Robert Bortuzzo has been suspended for two games.
Tribune Review Penguins Beat Writer Jason Mackey joined Starkey and Mueller to break the news that Bortuzzo has been suspended two games for interference against Jagr.
When asked about the length of the suspension, Mackey said he was not surprised.
"I predicted between one and three games, I believe two is right in between there," he said. "I think it warrants it. If I'm the Penguins, I'm not upset at this. I'm not upset that he made the hit, I think it's a presence that they need and also looking at it again, I don't think that two games is unreasonable for what he did at all."
Mackey clarified what he means when he says he's not upset Bortuzzo made the hit.
"I think by nature he stepped over the line," Mackey added. "What I'm saying is, you're talking about an opposing teams star player and Bortuzzo blasted an opposing teams star player. Now if he would do that within the rules, I'm okay with it. Bortuzzo brings them an element that I think they need. I think they need somebody to agitate, annoy, hit, bump whatever you want to use, opposing teams star players. I think clearly that's what Bortuzzo was doing for the better part of Tuesday night's game."
Bortuzzo talked after practice on Wednesday saying he thought the hit was clean because he believed at the time of the hit that Jagr still had the puck.
Robert Bortuzzo
Devils Head Coach Peter DeBoer weighed in on the hit, and as you can imagine, he was less than supportive of Bortuzzo's actions.
DeBoer said the refs told him they never saw it, but he was sure that "the league will see it, I'm sure they'll take the appropriate action."
Peter DeBoer
You can see the NHL's explanation for the suspension here.
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