The NHL has suspended St. Louis Blues forward Ivan Barbashev for one game for an illegal check to the head of Boston Bruins forward Marcus Johansson.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues GM Doug Armstrong felt the suspension was a little much.
“We feel that the suspension to Ivan is excessive for the play on the ice,” Armstrong told the Post-Dispatch via text. “Regardless, we need to prepare for a quality Boston team on Sunday.
“The NHL on_ and off-ice officials have a difficult job and we respect their integrity.”
Dan Rosen: Blues coach Craig Berube hasn’t named a replacement yet. They should find out today if Robert Thomas could be an option. Robby Fabbri is another option but he’s been ineffective. Jordan Nolan could draw in – he has size and some Stanley Cup experience.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues coach Berube before the suspension was announced.
“Well, I mean, they’re going to look at things that happen in games, and that’s just part of it,” he said. “It’s physical hockey, it’s heavy hockey out there both ways and they’re going to look at some stuff once in a while. So that’s the way it goes.”
Barbashev has three goals and three assists during the playoffs while playing on the fourth line.
He had never been suspended or fined before.