The Chicago Blackhawks could be without star defenseman Duncan Keith for a while. Keith was ejected during the Blackhawks’ 4-1 loss on Tuesday. Keith was hit by Minnesota Wild center Charlie Coyle. He retaliated by swinging his stick and catching Coyle in the face. Coyle was cut and bleeding. This occurred at the 9:27 mark of the first period. Keith received a five minute major and was assessed a match penalty. Keith is now suspended until the league reviews the play.
This is not the first time Keith has injured an opponent. Back in the 2013 playoffs he did the same thing to Los Angeles Kings’ forward Jeff Carter during game three of the Western Conference Finals. Keith was suspended for one game. Keith missed 5 games in 2012 because he elbowed Vancouver Canucks’ forward Daniel Sedin the head.
Keith is a repeat offender. The NHL cracks down on skaters who have had previous suspensions and makes their suspension longer. Keith will be missing time because he has been reckless with his stick. Keith is lucky that Coyle only was bleeding and able to continue in the game.
The suspension for Keith could last the rest of the season and possibly the playoffs. The Blackhawks have 7 games left on their schedule. Keith should miss the rest of the season and two games of the first round which would equal nine games. Sitting him down that long might teach him to use his stick for scoring and not hitting an opponent. This will also hurt his team because Keith plays on the number one defensive pair. According to ESPN, Head Coach Joel Quenneville said, “We miss guys all year long. I’m not worrying about hypotheticals.”
This is a big loss for the Chicago Blackhawks. Keith is one of their best scoring defenseman. He has 9 goals and 34 assists this year. He is a big defenseman who blocks shots. On the power play he can shoot from the blue line to score or set up his teammates near the goalie to score goals. He is also a key defender on the power play kill because of his ability to check the opposing team and shoot the puck to the other end. Keith will be missed, but the Blackhawks will try to adjust with him out of the lineup.
How long should Duncan Keith be suspended?
Duncan Keith is a hockey star who sometimes loses his rationality in the passion of the game. His behavior warrants sanction, but I’m not sure it will be corrective in terms of his impulsive actions.
I agree with you.