According to a report from the Chicago Sun Times, Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi Torres along with the help of the NHL Players Association will indeed appeal the 25-game suspension laid upon him for his viscious hit on tthe Chicago Blackhawks' Marian Hossa during Game 3 of their series.
The NHLPA will take Torres' case with the aide of the NHL's arbitrator, league commissioner Gary Bettman, trying to get him reinstated as soon as possible.
Torres has a lengthy suspension history and is known around the league as a 'headhunter.' NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan stated that Torres violated three sperate NHL rules on the play in question and that Torres was well aware that Hossa no longer had the puck in his possesion when he made the hit:
"It is clear that he sees Hossa is no longer in possession of the puck because Torres takes a one-handed swipe at it with his stick," Shanahan said. "Torres then leaps into the air and drives his left shoulder into Hossa's. This is a violation of three NHL rules: interference, charging and illegal check to the head."
For more on the Coyotes, check out Five for Howling. For the Blackhawks side of things, check out Second City Hockey.
