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Duncan Keith suspended five games for elbowing Daniel Sedin

NHL: Vancouver Canucks at Chicago Blackhawks

Mar 21, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) checks Vancouver Canucks left wing Daniel Sedin (22) during the first period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith has been suspended five games for elbowing Canucks forward Daniel Sedin in the head Wednesday in Chicago.

Here’s NHL discipline czar Brendan Shanahan’s explanation video:

“Keith’s hit was dangerous, reckless and caused injury,” Shanahan said. “We’ve also taken into account Keith’s supplemental discipline record, which includes no suspensions and one fine over seven NHL seasons.”

The punishment was levied following a telephone hearing Friday afternoon. The league had requested an in-person meeting with Keith, which he waived his right to.

Prior to being suspended, Keith spoke with CSN Chicago about the incident and possible punishment.

“I think I’m a pretty stand-up player out on the ice,” he said. “The NHL will make a decision, I respect all the decisions they make.”

Keith’s elbow on Sedin forced the Canucks forward from Wednesday’s game. He later left the team’s current road trip, missing Thursday night’s game in Dallas, to return to Vancouver for further medical evaluation.

According to Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province, Henrik Sedin confirmed his brother suffered a concussion and that it was the first one of his playing career.

Other notes:

-- Shanahan’s issued three suspensions to Chicago this year, second only to Buffalo (four). That said, two of them were to Daniel Carcillo, who received two games for hitting Joni Pitkanen from behind in October, then seven games for boarding Tom Gilbert in January.

-- This is the fifth elbowing suspension of the year:

Oct. 28, 2011: Andy Sutton on Gabriel Landeskog (five games)
Dec. 7, 2011: Ville Leino on Matt Read (one game)
Jan. 3, 2012: Rene Bourque on Nicklas Backstrom (five games)
Mar. 20, 2012: Shane Doan on Jamie Benn (three games)

-- Keith will miss Chicago’s games against Nashville, New Jersey, St. Louis, Nashville (again) and Minnesota. He’ll be eligible to return to the lineup on Thursday, Apr. 5 against the Wild (second game of a home-and-home.)

-- Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and based on his average annual salary, Keith will forfeit $149,688.15. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

-- Quote from Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman: “We respect the league’s decision. That being said, our primary concern is Daniel’s health and well being. We look forward to him having a full recovery, becoming fit and returning to our lineup as soon as possible.” (Vancouver Sun)