The NHL’s Department of Player Safety will look at Philadelphia Flyers‘ Chris VandeVelde’s elbow he delivered to Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews on Wednesday at the United Center, reports Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun Times.
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.
Vandevelde with a very questionable forearm shiver to Toews’ head. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/OMoZC3EQTM
— Cristiano Simonetta (@CMS_74_) March 17, 2016
VandeVelde has been suspended for a hit to the head before. In 2012, the AHL suspended him three games for a hit 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.