Duncan Keith receives six-game suspension for high-sticking Charlie Coyle

Duncan Keith has been handed a six-game suspension following his brutal high stick on Charlie Coyle. 

Chicago Blackhawks’ Duncan Keith got himself into some hot water after he high-sticked Charlie Coyle in an attempt to injure. It was a brutal play, and despite being one of the premier defensemen in the league, it was only a matter of time before he was going to get a suspension.

Well, the NHL just came down and handed him six games for it:

The Player Safety video notes that Keith was in full control of his stick at all times, meaning it was done intentionally, nor was he in a position of self-defense. He’s also a repeat offender, having been suspended twice before and fined once.

Some people might think six games isn’t enough, but with 77 games played so far, that means the Blackhawks will miss Keith for the rest of the regular season and the first game of the playoffs. And while they looked like one of the best teams in the NHL in the first half of the season, they have cooled down as of late, and are in danger of falling into a wild card spot; they’re only four points ahead of the Predators.

They could’ve used their reigning Conn Smythe winner to help lock down the third seed, but he has been properly suspended for his actions. Now we shall see how the team responds in the wake of this.

Be sure to visit the NHL section of our site for more content.