Because he has been handed two game misconduct penalties for boarding this playoff season, Georges Laraque will be facing an automatic league suspension for game three. Why is nobody talking about this? EDIT 12:08 am. The reason nobody's talking about it is that it isn't going to happen. As Chris skillfully pointed out in the comments, they get a clean slate at the start of the finals.By the way, if you do a google image search of "georges laraque boarding", this image comes back. It's from a game a couple of years ago. That Anaheim skater he's crushing? Matt Cullen.
According to rule 44c of the NHL rulebook:
Any player who incurs a total of two (2) game misconducts for Boarding under Rule 44 (b), in either Regular Season or Playoffs, shall be suspended automatically for the next game of his Team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.
In game three of the Oilers' Western Conference Semifinals, Laraque was guilty of boarding Jonathan Cheechoo of the Sharks. He was given a major penalty, a game misconduct, and the gate.
In game two of the Stanley Cup Finals, Laraque was again handed a major boarding and a game misconduct.
Although I haven't seen anyone report this yet, these are the rules. The suspension is "automatic", and I presume, not subject to appeal.
So if any Canes fans are looking forward to seeing some retaliatory hits on Laraque, they'll have to wait until at least game 4. I don't think we'll see anything of the retaliatory nature. There's no point in that. In the regular season maybe, but there's too much on the line to resort to Federal League tactics.
Rules is rules. I'm not making this stuff up. Section c of rule 44 is the important part, but you can read the whole rule for yourself here.
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That's not the only relevant rule. Rule 28g.
In playoff games any player who incurs a total of two (2) game misconduct penalties for stick related infractions, Boarding - Rule 44(b), or Checking from Behind - Rule 48(a), shall be suspended automatically for the next Playoff game of his Team. For each subsequent game misconduct penalty in this category during the Playoffs the automatic suspension shall be increased by one game.
Prior to the commencement of each Stanley Cup Finals, a player will have his current stick-related, boarding and checking from behind game misconducts removed from his current playoff record. They will remain part of his historical record.
I think he should be suspended regardless. The last thing we need is another Bertuzzi incident.
Thanks for the heads-up, Chris. I made a slight adjustment to the original post.
Bertuzzi incident? Are you kidding me? Calm down. Apples and oranges. Geez.
Bertuzzi incident? Are you kidding me? Calm down. Apples and oranges. Geez.
I'm not ranting. I'm just saying that Laraque was head hunting and anything can happen. I don't want him to do something that everyone will regret.
44b)When a major penalty is imposed under this Rule for a foul resulting in an injury to the face or head of an opponent, a game misconduct shall be imposed.
Does Ladd have to be hurt for him to get an automatic suspension?
I don't think so - the rule says, to me (non-lawyer that I am), that if an injury to the face or head occurs, it is automatically a misconduct. That's not to say it can't be a misconduct anyway - which is what happened, as the referee determined there was intent to injure. This would be like swinging your stick at someone's head and missing - the intent was to take the guy's head off, regardless if you hit or not.
If Laraque keeps his thuggery up, he'll just keep getting into penalty trouble. We'll score some power play goals, and turn a close game into a blow out. The Oilers don't have much wiggle room for stupid mistakes.
Besides, another cheap shot and he very well might find himself suspended.
Georges is a great player who will be missed in Edmonton
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