Tyler Myers Suspended Three Games for Head Shot on Dainius Zubrus

Tyler Myers received his conversation on the phone with the NHL Department of Player Safety earlier this afternoon. The result is a three game suspension for his head shot on Dainius Zubrus in Saturday's 2-1 loss at Buffalo. Yesterday, I wished it was an in-person hearing if only so Myers can have face time with someone at the league to know that this sort of play is unacceptable. Myers jumped into the hit and clearly hit Zubrus in the face with his right shoulder. The NHL DoPS agreed, though they stated that Myers "launched" into Zubrus. I think that's just semantics but at least they came to the same conclusion the refs and viewers came to on Saturday night.

Here's the official video explanation. It's not Brendan Shanahan doing the voice over, I don't know who it is (Is this Patrick "If You Can Be A Burke, You Can Work in the League" Burke?). For whoever's sake, I hope they didn't come to the conclusion at the end of the video.

I have no problem with suspending Myers for his head shot. I do have a problem with the admission that Zubrus not being injured was a key point. It confirms what I think many already know; the NHL DoPS will be more lenient if the victim isn't hurt too bad. The act alone isn't enough, there must be blood, so to speak. I suppose the league is only really concerned if there's a stretcher involved or an absence from the game related to an illegal play. Likewise, another key point brought up was Myers' history. Yes, he was suspended once before - two seasons ago with an entirely different move, a hit from behind into the boards. Again, something other than the act is taken into account in the discipline process.

If this is progress, then it's moving awfully slow. This may be carping given that Myers has been given a punishment and I don't think it's unfair. The video explanation is otherwise clear cut. It even goes as far to point out how unnecessary Myers' decision truly was. He could have just stayed on his skates and delivered a body check to Zubrus. It's the ending that's souring.

Regardless, let's gauge your reaction. Feel free to comment about the suspension and the video explanation in the comments in addition to voting in this poll. Zubrus should be fine to play tomorrow against Philadelphia. As he told Tom Gulitti, who reported it in this Fire & Ice post, he feels fine.