Pronger suspended for Game 4 of Stanley Cup finals
June 3rd, 2007
Ottawa, ON (Sports Network) - Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger was suspended one game by the National Hockey League on Sunday for a blow to the head of Ottawa's Dean McAmmond in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals.
Early in the third period of Ottawa's 5-3 victory, McAmmond fired a quick wrist shot from the slot that was stopped by Jean-Sebastien Giguere. On the play, Pronger threw a left elbow to the head of McAmmond after the shot and the winger fell and smacked his head on the ice. After several minutes he was helped off the ice by a pair of teammates, but he did not return to the game. Pronger was not issued a penalty on the play.
"A variety of factors were considered in reaching this decision," said NHL senior executive vice president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell. "Mr. Pronger used his forearm to deliver a forceful hit to the head of his opponent. Also, his actions caused injury to his opponent."
Pronger is eligible to return to the Ducks lineup for Game 5 on Wednesday in Anaheim.
This is Pronger's second one-game suspension during this postseason. In the Western Conference finals against the Detroit Red Wings, Pronger was suspended for Game 4 after a hit to the head of Tomas Holmstrom against the boards.
The Ducks lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 with Game 4 scheduled for Monday in Ottawa. It's not known if McAmmond will be ready to return to action for the Sens.