Should Cody Eakin be suspended for charging Henrik Lundqvist?

Watch as Cody Eakin takes out Henrik Lundqvist with a massive hit behind the net sparking the Ultimate Warrior’s theme music.

After sitting for five straight games, New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist finally got the start for Thursday’s matchup against the Dallas Stars.

Lundqvist’s game was interrupted, however, when he was on the receiving end of a huge hit from Stars forward Cody Eakin.

Midway through the first period, Lundqvist was playing the puck behind his own net when Eakin came skating full-force into the netminder. Eakin made contact with Lundqvist’s head, even sending the goalie’s helmet flying.

Lundqvist hit the ice immediately and had to be helped off. Eakin was issued a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct.

Luckily for the Rangers, Lundqvist was able to return to the game.

Eakin’s hit has many assuming he will be contacted by the department of player safety.

While Lundqvist was, indeed, out of his crease at the time of the hit, that doesn’t necessarily mean he was “fair game” when it comes to contact.

As stated by Rule 42.1, “the appropriate penalty should be assessed in every case where an opposing player makes unnecessary contact with a goalkeeper.”

Should he be suspended for the play? Have your say:

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