Ference suspended three games for boarding McDonagh
Ryan McDonagh of the New York Rangers skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs. (Dec. 5, 2011) Credit: Jim McIsaac
Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference was suspended three games without pay Sunday for boarding Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh in overtime of the Rangers' 3-2 win in Boston Saturday afternoon.
In his ruling after a hearing by phone Sunday, NHL head disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan called Ference's hit "reckless" but said there was no intent to injure. He also noted that McDonagh suffered "no apparent injuries."
Shanahan also said McDonagh reacted in a typical manner in trying to retrieve the puck chipped in behind the Rangers' net by Ference, and that the onus was on the Bruin to avoid a dangerous play.
Ference, who received a five-minute major and a game misconduct, will lose $36,486.48.
McDonagh, 22, one of the Rangers' top four defensemen, has played in all 46 games this season -- averaging 25:18 on ice, second only to Dan Girardi -- and blocked seven shots against the Bruins. He has four goals and 19 assists and is a plus-15. He flew home with the team Saturday night and there was no official update on his condition.
McDonagh played 40 games in 2010-11, his rookie season.
Marc Staal and Michael Sauer, two of the other top four Rangers defensemen, have missed time with concussions. Staal missed training camp and 36 games; Sauer remains out. Jeff Woywitka (bruised foot) has been cleared for contact, so it is likely that he will replace McDonagh at home against Winnipeg Tuesday in the last game before the All-Star break. Defenseman Steve Eminger (separated shoulder) is several weeks away. Another option is Tim Erixon, who is playing for the AHL's Connecticut Whale.
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