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Aaron Ward Injured, Walker Suspension, Maurice Potential 10K Fine

Update: Walker has had his automatic suspension rescinded after pleading his “case” to the league.

Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford told The Associated Press on Monday that the automatic suspension given to Walker was rescinded during a hearing with league disciplinarian Colin Campbell. It was determined that the hit was not a “sucker punch.”

Way to encourage such play NHL! Walker will be fined $2,500.

During the fighting in the third period of Game 5 against the ‘Canes, Aaron Ward took a sucker punch from Hurricanes Forward Scott Walker. Ward quickly fell to the ground. He was taken off the ice and did not return. Walker was given a two-minute instigator minor penalty, a five-minute fighting major and a 10-mintute misconduct for the incident.

Here’s the video of the punch from Walker:

The initial medical examination has revealed a potenial broken orbital bone from the punch. Paul Maurice, the Hurricanes coach, handled the situation with a particular professionalism, laughing off the possible repercussions:

“Scott probably has sore knuckles,” he said.

Asked whether there will be a fine, he added: “I may have to sell my truck.”

Maurice’s comments may cost him $10,000. Walker is also facing a one game suspension, pending league review, for an instigation in the final give minutes of play, with the game’s outcome clearly decided, and if it wasn’t, then he wouldn’t have done it.

What a bunch of jerks. I guess they really want to instigate the Bruins now, especially since it worked so well for them in Game 5. Good luck Hurricanes, you might not be laughing so hard once Lucic and co. are done with you.

Tags: Aaron Ward, Bruins