Stars' Antoine Roussel suspended 2 games for cross-check on Adam McQuaid

Cross-checking opponents in the throat is typically frowned upon in the NHL. Antoine Roussel of the Dallas Stars learned that on Tuesday night when he was given a five minute major and ejected for a cross-check to the throat of Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid.

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety took notice, and on Thursday suspended Roussel for two games:

As Patrick Burke notes, McQuaid was ready to scrap, while Roussel had other plans. His raising of his stick in an aggressive manner and not one to defend himself against a ready-to-fight McQuaid doesn't help his cause. That, and his repeat offender status after being fined in November for a sucker-punch.

Roussel will lose $21,505.38 in salary and is eligible to return next Tuesday against St. Louis.

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