Dennis Wideman did not get a penalty for checking an official Wednesday night. He will likely get suspended, though.
In the video, Wideman, a Calgary Flames defenseman, takes the long skate to the bench after getting checked in his own zone. As Wideman converges with a linesman, who has his back turned to Wideman, the Canadian cross-checks the official.
The Predators' bench appears shocked and genuinely concerned for the linesman.
Although the greater part of the hockey community immediately claimed Wideman's guilt, he is maintaining his innocence.
Dennis Wideman on hitting linesman Don Henderson: “I was just trying to get off the ice. And, at the last second, I looked up and saw him."
— Kristen Odland (@KristenOdlandCH) January 28, 2016
Fans can judge based on the clip.
According to ESPN, the NHL rulebook institutes a minimum 20-game suspension for deliberate intention to injure an official.
