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Dustin Byfuglien's 'violent' cross-check lands him hearing

Dustin Byfuglien wasn't penalized for his cross-check. (Bruce Fedyck, USA TODAY Sports)

Dustin Byfuglien wasn’t penalized for his cross-check. (Bruce Fedyck, USA TODAY Sports)

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien was involved in a nasty hit Tuesday night when he cross-checked New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller’s head to the ice.

Miller had fallen in front of Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec and before he could get up, the 260-pound Byfuglien drove his stick into the back of Miller’s neck with significant force.

Miller, who grabbed his head in pain, was able to remain in the game. He, in fact, he made a great pass to Chris Kreider, who blew past Byfuglien for the game-winning goal.

No penalty was called on the cross-check, but the league took notice. It has scheduled a phone hearing on Thursday, meaning a potential suspension of five or fewer games. The Jets have five games left in the regular season and have a two-point lead in the wild-card race.

Rangers coach Alain Vigneault told reporters the hit was “one of the most vicious cross-checks I’ve seen this year.”

“Violent, deliberate, it could have broken his neck,” he said.

Thanks to Ryan Ohanesian for the video

 

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