Wild forward Mike Rupp has been suspended four games, including three playoff games after his Thursday night hit on St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie.
Hockey Wilderness reports Rupp had a phone hearing with Stephane Quintal Friday morning. Rupp was given a match penalty for attempt to injure on the play.
In addition to the suspension, he will forfeit nearly $7,700.
According to Pro Hockey Talk, in making the ruling, the league determined that Rupp “drives his left shoulder into Oshie’s head, making it the main point of contact, and causing an injury.
Pro Hockey Talk also says Rupp was guilty of interference, as Oshie was no longer eligible to be hit, let alone hit in the head.
Oshie remains out for St. Louis’ game in Dallas tonight.
The hit from Rupp along with some comments from former Wild star Wes Walz may have turned up a little heat between the two teams.
listening to self proclaimed "hockey experts" call MIke Rupp a goon is wrong! MR never susp EVER and has been honest player his whole career
— Wes Walz (@walz3737) April 11, 2014
Tough play with Osh last night,love him as a player BUT don't forget 2 weeks ago when Blues wanted to "send a message" to Wild #livebysword
— Wes Walz (@walz3737) April 11, 2014
Moral of the story….play hard ALWAYS and be a TOUGH team to play against but do so….quietly. #headsupwhenheadingintoforest
— Wes Walz (@walz3737) April 11, 2014
According to Yahoo Sports, St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock called Walz’s comments disgusting.
“The comments by Wes Walz, knowing the [Wild] coaching staff the way I do, I don’t believe they would condone those comments,” Hitchcok said. “Quite frankly with a player getting hurt like that, they’re just disgusting.”
Wild assistant coach Darryl Sydor said the hit was not an attempt to send a message, “We didn’t mark anybody.”
