Red Wings’ Gustav Nyquist suspended six games for high-stick on Minnesota’s Jared Spurgeon

By @StefanKubus –

The Detroit Red Wings will be without forward Gustav Nyquist for the rest of the month.

Following a 2 p.m. over-the-phone hearing Wednesday afternoon, the NHL Department of Player Safety delivered its ruling on Nyquist’s high-stick to the face of Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon.

Nyquist received a six-game suspension for his actions in last Sunday’s game in Minnesota. The high-stick took place at the 14:13 mark of the first period, and Nyquist received a double minor for the infraction.

“I didn’t mean to do that,” Nyquist told the Detroit Free Press after the game. “My stick gets caught, I am trying to get body position on him. I’m happy he was out there again. I had no intention of doing that. My stick gets caught. It looks bad, but I’m happy he’s OK.

“Obviously, I’ve got to have better control of my stick.”

Nyquist was offered an in-person hearing with the league, which is grounds for a six-game or more suspension. Though he declined, the league reserved the right to suspend him for six or more.

The 27-year-old Nyquist has seven goals and 29 points in 56 games this season for Detroit.