Oil Patch
Sutton Suspended Second Time in as Many Months - Update
by Lisa McRitchie on 12/08/11 at 09:00 PM ET
Comments (4)
Andy Sutton was the first Oiler to receive a suspension in recent memory. It had been over ten years since an Oiler had been suspended when Sutton was suspended November 1st for five games after his hit on Gabriel Landeskog. Following a hit on Carolina Hurricanes’ Alexei Ponikarovsky, Sutton has been suspended indefinitely and has been given the option of an in person meeting. If the in person meeting, a chance to maybe explain himself doesn’t sound like a lengthy suspension is on it’s way, the fact that Sutton will now be considered a repeat offender should.
It was a little difficult to track down a video of this hit. Usually I have no trouble finding hit and goal videos to share from the Oilers’ website, but this video is care of the fine folks at the Score
Sutton is a big man who plays a very physical game, and a player who can and does make an impact on the Oilers’ lineup. His absence for the 5+ games he is likely to receive will a huge hurt to the Oilers, especially with a game against the Calgary Flames up and coming.
Following the Landeskog hit and subsequent suspension, Sutton released a statement “I have been informed of and understand the League’s decision, however, I had no intention of delivering an illegal check. For 14 years, I’ve always played the game with respect and integrity and I will continue to do so when I return.”
Some will certainly call into question the integrity and respect in Sutton’s game last night against the Carolina Hurricanes. Sutton clearly left his feet to deliver the hit, and although the intention was likely not to end Ponikarovsky’s game for the evening, but it was the hit to the head that is a concern.
I like seeing some tough Oilers in the lineup, and seeing Oilers deliver more hits than they take but definitely see Sutton’s hit on Ponikarovsky as suspension worthy.
UPDATE:
According to a tweet by TSN’s Darren Dreger “Sounds like Andy Sutton will waive right to in-person hearing. 1 of few with passion last night, but he’ll earn a big susp for a bad hit.”
I suppose Sutton didn’t think that anything he might have to say would help his case.
Filed in: Edmonton Oilers, Andy Sutton, | Oil Patch | Permalink
Comments
I know it sounds polyanna, but I would like for Sutton to keep hitting and using his body, but I would like him to stay on his feet and target the hips, not the head.
If Sutton had hit at the hips, he could have delayed Ponikarovsky and by hitting closer to the center of gravity maybe cleanly caused Ponikarovsky to hit the ice. The hip is also the strongest joint in the body. Every hit will hurt, but that sort of check is less dangerous than jumping and throwing down an elbow. I’m not a doctor and I’m certainly not a trainer, but you’re right Savage Henry, something is certainly catching up with him.
Posted by Lisa McRitchie on 12/08/11 at 09:11 PM ET
I’ll concur with Savage Henry: Sutton has always been a bit dirty. His comments about respect and integrity are laughable. Who wrote that? His agent? LOL
Posted by Will S. on 12/08/11 at 10:20 PM ET
Well, when you make NHL money, I’m sure you can afford someone to try to make you look good.
Posted by Lisa McRitchie on 12/09/11 at 03:49 AM ET
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Martin Gernat and the Edmonton Oil Kings look to last year’s WHL finals for this year’s challenge
WHL Eastern Conference Down to One Game
Edmonton Oil Kings Fall 5-2 to Calgary Hitmen
Late Season Change Bring Offseason Hope
Oilers add toughness to 4th line, can’t stop there
Ryan Whitney Continues to Grow Moss
About Oil Patch
Lisa McRitchie is a fairly new writer, online at least, but makes up for inexperience with passion for the game of hockey and memories of Mrs. Leskiw’s English AP class; who knew they would pay off one day.
Oil Patch focuses on the Edmonton Oilers, the Edmonton Oil Kings, The Oklahoma City Barons and Team Canada Hockey with game coverage, news updates, speculation and interviews.
Although the Oilers have had a difficult past decade… or three, here at Oil Patch, the future looks bright.
You can subscribe to the RSS feed here
Follow on Twitter @lisamcritchie
Or contact directly lisa.mcritchie@gmail.com
I said this in the other thread, but when Sutton played in Atlanta, he had a tendency to make dirty hits at bad moments. Judging by some of his other YouTube videos, that trend continued in New York, Anaheim, and Edmonton. He may play mostly with respect and integrity, but his departures from that are starting to catch up with him.
Posted by Savage Henry on 12/08/11 at 09:06 PM ET