After considering Carcillo’s appeal during a hearing at the NHL’s New York office on Friday, May 30, the Commissioner ruled that Carcillo’s actions were more appropriately deemed a violation of Rule 40.4 for deliberately applying “physical force to an official for the sole purpose of getting free of such official during or immediately following an altercation.” The Commissioner determined that as appropriately re-classified under Rule 40.4, and under the totality of the circumstances, a suspension of six (6) games was the proper penalty.

The National Hockey League does not and will not, under any circumstances, tolerate or condone the abuse, physical or otherwise, of our on-ice officials. The strict and proper enforcement of Rule 40, therefore, plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of the game by maintaining a safe and respectful working environment for our officials.

As Carcillo already has served three (3) games of the suspension that was originally assessed on May 23, he will be eligible to return for Game 4 of the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.

Update: The NHL released Bettman's full ruling via a PDF file which is 12 pages long.