San Jose Sharks: Raffi Torres Suspended for Remainder of Series vs. Kings

Apr 9, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; San Jose Sharks left wing Raffi Torres (13) waits on a face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena. Columbus defeated San Jose 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL has suspended San Jose Sharks forward Raffi Torres for the remainder of the playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings for an illegal hit on Jarrett Stoll.

During the late stages of the second period in Game 1, Torres collided with Stoll, who had his head down the entire time. Stoll was flattened as a result, and Torres was penalized for charging:

On Wednesday, the NHL flew Torres and Sharks GM Doug Wilson to the league offices in New York to discuss the hit, and made the decision to suspend him.

“Rather than hit Stoll through the core of his body, Torres takes a route that makes Stoll’s head the principle point of contact,” according to Brendan Shanahan, NHL Director of Player Safety.

Torres is no stranger to this, having been suspended three times in his career. He is also no stranger to dirty hits, as Sharks fans can remember this one in the 2006 playoffs when he decked Milan Michalek as a member of the Edmonton Oilers:

Torres has provided a real boost to the Sharks since being acquired before the trade deadline. His stats (2 goals and 4 assists in 11 games) may not show it, but the energy and intensity that he brings cannot be quantified by a number.

Let’s put it this way: you love him when he’s on your team, and you hate him when he’s on the other team.