Florida Panthers forward Jesse Winchester has been suspended three games by the NHL for his blatant elbow to the head of Boston Bruins forward Chris Kelly.
Early in the first period of the Panthers’ 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins Thursday night, Winchester nailed Kelly with a high elbow. Kelly’s head was the principle point of contact. Winchester also appeared to leave his feet as he made contact.
The 30-year-old was not assessed a penalty on the play. However, he was forced to fight the Bruins’ Gregory Campbell, who came to the defence of his teammate.
Winchester, who spent last season playing for Jokerit in Finland, had never been suspended during his NHL career. He scored the Panthers’ lone goal in the game late in the third period.
Heading into the game, the Long Sault, Ont., native had three goals, three assists and 20 penalty minutes in 15 games with the Panthers this season.
