The NHL has today suspended Nashville Predators winger Jordin Tootoo two games, following his collision with Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller during the second period of last night's 3-2 loss at Bridgestone Arena. This is Tootoo's first suspension since March of 2007, when he received a 5-gamer for the infamous punch he threw at Stephane Robidas in a game against the Dallas Stars. Because that incident occurred more than 18 months ago, he is not considered a "repeat offender" under the league's supplementary discipline procedures (this part is unclear - Exhibit 8.5(d) of the CBA defines repeat- vs. first-time-offender, but Shanahan's explanation below differs).

Last night, Preds broadcaster Pete Weber discussed this incident on FAN590 up in Toronto:

Pete Weber on Fan590 2011-12-05 (mp3)

Tootoo will continue to take up a spot on the Active Roster during the suspension, so the Preds will be pretty constrained on their roster choices. If they want to free up a roster spot for another Milwaukee callup, however, they could put one of the injured guys like Francis Bouillon on injured reserve to make room.

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Jordin Tootoo

#22 / Right Wing / Nashville Predators

Height: 5-9

Weight: 199

Born: Feb 02, 1983

Take it away, NHL Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan. Shanny emphasizes that Tootoo should have made a better effort to avoid or minimize the impact:

After the jump, you'll find the video of the hit to stew over once again...