Boston Bruins defenceman Andrew Ference was suspended three games on Sunday for his hit on New York Rangers defenceman Ryan McDonagh on Saturday afternoon.
In overtime, Ference sent McDonagh crashing into the boards and was assessed a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct on the play. The Rangers scored on the ensuing power play to win the game.
"It was one of the most dangerous hits I've seen in a while," Rangers head coach John Tortorella said. "Nothing needs to be said about what has to be done."
McDonagh, who suffered an upper-body injury on the play, remained on the ice for a few minutes before he skated off with a trainer.
Ference acknowledged the danger in the play he made.
"The five minutes, obviously, didn't help the team, but on top of that you just hope you didn't put a guy in a bad spot," said Ference, who scored for the second consecutive game. "It's a bad feeling both ways."
Bruins head coach Claude Julien defended Ference and his style of play.
"Andrew Ference is not a dirty player," Julien said. "He's a guy who is trying to support what the league is trying to do as far as preventing injuries."
