The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has suspended Philadelphia Flyers forward Chris VandeVelde two games for elbowing Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews on Wednesday at the United Center. Here’s the video from DOPS explaining its decision on the hit:
VandeVelde skated up to Toews and extended his left elbow into Toews’ face in the first period. The Flyers forward was given a two-minute minor penalty for elbowing, which the Hawks failed to capitalize on.
It is the first suspension for VandeVelde at the NHL level. He was previously suspended three games by the AHL in December 2012 for a head shot against the Texas Stars.
Toews returned the ice immediately, which should help VandeVelde avoid any supplemental discipline. The Hawks captain gave Chicago a 2-1 lead less than five minutes into the second frame with his 25th goal of the season.