NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- Marian Hossa is a happy man.
After going through his first-ever NHL disciplinary hearing, the Hawks winger was happy to learn from general manager Stan Bowman that NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell ruled against suspending him for his major penalty for boarding in Game 5.
"I'm happy I'm not suspended and that I can play," Hossa said Monday before Game 6. "I'm just glad the league decided that way."
Hossa was assessed the major penalty for shoving Predators defenseman Dan Hamhuis into the boards with 1:03 remaining in regulation.
Campbell took in consideration that Hossa does not have a history of such violent hits, declaring it was different than previous incidents and calling it "a hockey play involving a race for the puck."
"They know me as a player," Hossa said. "I've been in the league for 12 years, lots of games, and I've never had that type of [incident]. Obviously, it helps for sure."
Novice hockey fan, happy for learned hockey fans of the game and your first round win.