TAMPA defenseman suspended for hit on Compher
TAMPA — Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg was suspended for two games for his hit on J.T. Compher during Saturday’s 2-0 loss to the Red Wings in Detroit.
Lilleberg, 23, will miss games Tuesday against Chicago and Thursday versus Los Angeles at Amalie Arena. His absence will leave the Lightning with only two available left-shot defensemen on the roster, so a callup for an additional defenseman before Tuesday’s game is expected.
The league’s department of player safety ruled that Lilleberg’s second-period hit on Compher came outside the window when a check can be legally finished after a player passes the puck, delivering a late, high hit that made significant contact with Compher’s head.
It ruled that Lilleberg began his hitting motion after Compher released the puck and made the hit after the brief window allowed to finish a hit under the interference rule. The significant head contact and the force of the hit also caused it to rise to supplemental discipline, the department of player safety ruled.
Lilleberg has not previously been fined or suspended in his 82-game NHL career.
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