Red Wings News: Jeff Cowan Suspended for Hit on Derek Meech

According to TSN, the NHL has seen fit to suspend the Vancouver Canucks' Jeff Cowan for his hit on Derek Meech at 11:45 of the first period of Saturday's game.

Cowan received a charging penalty on the play. The hit had Meech in pain until well after he returned to the bench.

He turned out to be okay before long, however, and returned to play a strong game.

Cowan will miss the Canucks' home game against Colorado on Wednesday and will forfeit about $3,815.79 of his $725,000 yearly salary.

FSN didn't show the hit from a very good angle, even on replay, so I can't say whether I think it was really a suspendable offense—though when the NHL does hand out a suspension, it's usually warranted.

I just wish the League had decided to suspend Dion Phaneuf for his reckless and vicious hit on Tomas Kopecky the night before.

Anyway, TSN must have Meech confused with Garrett Stafford, as the current version of the article on this story says, "The game was Meech's first in the NHL." (See this screenshot for verification if a correction is made.)

Actually, it was his 27th and 23rd this season. That night was Stafford's first appearance in the NHL.

On a semi-unrelated note, the Wings are fortunate Aaron Downey did not face League discipline after he instigated a pregame exchange of pleasantries at center ice Saturday night. His jab of Cowan's shoulder with the blade of his stick should have been good for a game or two, I would have thought.

Maybe Downey owes Meech one for having ticked the Canuck off.

(via LetsGoWings)