Keith high-stick
The fiery Keith was checked to the ice in a 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night by Charlie Coyle; Coyle was not penalized on the play. While prone on his back, Keith swung his stick hard up and right into Coyle’s face, cutting him. Coyle, after treatment, was able to return to the game.
At that time, Keith received a 10-minute match penalty, which includes being ejected from the game. In describing the incident, the NHL said Keith’s actions were not within the bounds of the game and that his stick was intentionally used to retaliate.
“It’s important to note that Keith is in perfect control of his stick at all times,” the league said in a video announcing the suspension. “This motion is made intentionally — not recklessly.
“This is not a case where two players are battling for position or puck control and a stick rides up suddenly,” the video said. “This is not a defensive high stick.”
Repeat offender
The NHL video called it an “intentional and retaliatory act of violence by a player with a history of using his stick as a weapon.”
The video noted the similarity between this stick-swinging incident and the one from the Stanley Cup playoffs of 2013 when Keith high-sticked Jeff Carter of the L.A. Kings; for that infraction the Hawks defender was given a one-game suspension.
Keith got a five-game regular season suspension in 2012 for intentionally elbowing Daniel Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks. For his attack upon Coyle, based upon his salary Keith, a two-time Norris Trophy winner as the league’s best defenceman, will forfeit $148,883.35.
