Should Brandon Manning be suspended for big hit during Stadium Series game?
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Brandon Manning will have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety this week to discuss a bad hit he threw during Saturday's Stadium Series game in Pittsburgh.
During the second period of the outdoor game at Heinz Field, Manning destroyed Penguins forward Jake Guentzel with a big hit that left the Pens player a bit shaken up. It also left most people wondering how it didn't earn Manning a penalty.
In addition to the hit being clear interference, it also appeared to be a high hit in which Manning left his feet to throw. Manning kept his elbow tucked on the play but he launched into Guentzel and the principle point of contact looked to be the side of the forward's head.
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Fortunately for Manning, Guentzel stayed in the game and didn't appear to be seriously injured as a result of the play. That will work in Manning's favor during the hearing this week but he still may not be able to escape without a suspension. His hit was a reckless and dangerous one, so it's unlikely the league lets it slide -- especially considering it wasn't punished on the ice.