After Sunday's game in Anaheim, there was some speculation that Shane Doan would be hearing from the NHL for his third period hit on Ducks forward Dan Sexton. The league has been cracking down on blindside hits and the belief was that Doan may have unwittingly put himself in the position to be used as an example of the strictness of the new rules.
It appears that the rumors were accurate, as it is being reported today that Doan will be receiving a three game suspension for the hit.
Last time the 'Yotes played without their captain, they managed to push the Red Wings to a game 7 in last years playoffs, so hopefully this suspension will give them the spark they need to get back on track.
Update: Official press release
COYOTES' DOAN SUSPENDED FOR THREE GAMES FOR ILLEGAL CHECK TO THE HEAD
TORONTO (October 18, 2010) - Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan has been suspended for three games and will forfeit $73,387.11 in salary as a result of delivering an illegal check to the head of Anaheim Ducks forward Dan Sexton in NHL game #67, last night, the National Hockey League announced today.
"Doan delivered a late hit from the blind side to the head of an unsuspecting opponent," said NHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "While it was fortunate that Sexton did not suffer an injury, the message should be clear that this is the type of hit that we want out of our game."
The incident occurred at 6:35 of the third period and no penalty was assessed on the play.
Doan will miss games against Los Angeles (Oct. 21), Carolina (Oct. 23) and Montreal (Oct. 25). He is eligible to return Oct. 26 at Ottawa.
Doan's fine is based on his average annual salary and is calculated under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.