Anton Volchenkov suspended four games for elbowing Brad Marchand

Brendan Shanahan bans Anton Volchenkov for four games, for his elbow on Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand.

NEW YORK – New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov has been suspended for four games, without pay, for elbowing Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand during NHL Game No. 591 in New Jersey on Wednesday, April 10, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 15:11 of the second period. Volchenkov was assessed a five-minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct (Rule 45).

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Volchenkov will forfeit $91,891.88. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

For a full explanation of the Department of Player Safety's decision, complete with video, please click on the following link:

I know there are some that are some fans that are applauding Volchenkov’s actions, but the fact remains that Marchand has concentrated on playing hockey this season and has scored (16g-17a—33pts) in 38 games for the Bruins this season.

Anton Volchenkov's dirty elbow on Brad Marchand

This is a dirty, bush-league hit and it’s a violation of the NHL’s rule 48. The Head is targeted; it’s pretty cut and dried. I am going to be very surprised and disappointed if Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov isn’t given a 3-4 game suspension for this dirty and unnecessary hit on Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand.

Seriously, there is no defending this hit. I don’t care what you think of Brad Marchand, this is not acceptable. These are the types of hits we’re trying to eliminate from all levels of hockey. Volchenkov is a repeat offender. Volchenkov was given a five minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct.

I expect the Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Safety to be giving Mr. Volchenkov a call tomorrow and I expect that Volchenkov will be getting suspended by the National Hockey League. What do you think?

Again, I predict a 3-4 game suspension.

No update on Brad Marchand from the Bruins. Claude Julien said he hadn't spoken to the doctors before he spoke to the media.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) April 11, 2013

Phone hearing for Volchenkov this morning, FYI...
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) April 11, 2013

Brayden Schenn is the first player suspended

Well that didn't take lone. Just three days into the lockout shortened 2013 season, Philadelphia Flyers forward Brayden Schenn is the first player suspended by Brendan Shannahan. Actually, I have no problem with the suspension and this suspension should set the tone going forward.

After 247 days, the @nhlshanahan account is back in use. The lockout is officially over!
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) January 23, 2013