Sportsnet has learned that Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Nick Boynton has been suspended one regular season game for his making an apparent throat-slash gesture following a fight with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Blair Jones in a pre-season game in Winnipeg on Wednesday night.
The NHL met with the blueliner on Wednesday to discuss the matter. He is being suspended because he is a two-time offender, therefore more severe than a fine. The incident comes just days after the NHL released a video on league rules that included a warning to players on taunting and gestures similar to the one made by Boynton.
The fight occurred after Jones took exception to a questionable hip check by Boynton on Lightning winger Chris Durno. Jones immediately chased down Boynton to challenge him to a fight and dropped the Hawks defenceman with a left hand. Jones was given an instigator penalty and both players were given fighting majors and misconducts.
A bloodied Boynton skated by both benches on the way to the penalty box and then made a gesture with his hand to his throat towards Jones.
This is the second time Boynton has been disciplined by the NHL for the throat slash gesture. The first came on March 9, 2006, when he was with the Boston Bruins and made the gesture to then Montreal Canadiens forward Mike Riberio.
Tampa Bay defeated the defending Stanley Cup champions 4-2 at the MTS Centre in front of 14,092.
