Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn has been suspended three games for charging Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Tuesday.
Schenn, whose Flyers were eliminated by the Capitals in the first round, will miss his first three games of the 2016-17 season. The hit occurred in Sunday's Game 6 when Schenn left his feet to hit Oshie, his shoulder driving into Oshie's head.
Schenn "approaches with speed and launches up and into his hit, making significant contact with Oshie's head," the DOPS explained. "This is charging. ... Rather than staying low and delivering a hit through Oshie's shoulder or chest, Schenn launches himself up and into Oshie, making substantial contact with Oshie's head. Schenn's elevation is evident, as he remains airborne until he crashes into the boards."
Schenn's history played into the suspension, as he'd been fined and suspended once before.
Oshie finished Game 6 against the Flyers and is considered good to go for Game 1 of Washington's second-round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The series between the Flyers and Capitals was extremely physical. Unfortunately, Schenn's hit crossed the line, and he'll be watching early next season.
