Curtis Glencross will feel the effects of a head-shot for the next three games.
The NHL decided Monday to suspend the Flames speedster for games in Montreal, Buffalo and Toronto, even though he insists it was his intention only to slow down Chris Drury, who the New York Rangers say suffered a concussion on a collision involving the two players during Saturday’s 3-1 Flames victory at the Saddledome.
“I was anticipating the play as the puck was being moved out of the zone,” said Glencross of an early-game hit that dropped Drury.
“My intent was to impede that process, and it unfortunately resulted in an awkward collision with Drury.”
Just 48 seconds into the game, Glencross bodied Drury, who was skating up ice and watching the puck carrier over his own left shoulder as the Rangers were breaking out of their own zone. On the play, Glencross’ left shoulder slid up and hit the chin of Drury, who immediately crumpled to the ice.
The hit appeared to be a weak one, but Drury, who has a history of concussions, was woozy and had to be helped off the ice.
He did not return to the game.
In a post-game scrum, Rangers coach John Tortorella expressed his anger over the play, adding Drury suffered a concussion on the hit.
“Obviously, (the officials) didn’t see it,” Tortorella said. “It’s a missed call. It should have been a five-minute major.”
No penalty was called on the check, and the Flames went on to defeat the Rangers 3-1.
The league reviewed the hit MOnday and slapped Glencross with a fine and a three-game suspension.
Under the terms of the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement — and based on his average annual salary — the Flames forward will pay $18,652.86.
“Although disappointed, we respect and accept the league’s decision,” said Flames coach Brent Sutter.
Glencross, who has four goals and 15 points this season, will be eligible to return Nov. 17 against the visiting Colorado Avalanche.
