Anaheim Ducks forward Nick Ritchie has been suspended two games for roughing Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Michal Rozsival, the NHL has announced.
As the video shows, Ritchie was assessed a match penalty for punching Rozsival during Thursday's game in Anaheim. The incident occurred after Rozsival delivered a cross-check to Corey Perry, and another to Ritchie after being confronted for his actions.
The league, however, deemed Ritchie's punch on a unsuspecting Rozsival to be inexcusable and disproportionate, especially in light of the officials being in the process of penalizing the defenseman.
The Ducks have only one game remaining in the regular season, meaning Ritchie - who has recorded 14 goals and 28 points in 77 games - will miss the opening game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
(Video courtesy: NHL.com)
