Jets' Pionk Suspended Two Games for Kneeing

The Winnipeg Jets will be without one of their top defenders for the next two games. 

The NHL Department of Player Safety announced on Monday evening that Jets' blueliner Neal Pionk has been suspended two games for kneeing Toronto's Rasmus Sandin in the third period of their game versus the Maple Leafs. 

Pionk, who is a first-time offender, will forfeit $58,750 in salary as a result of the ruling. 

It's a fitting punishment for a reckless play. Pionk seemed to intentionally stick his knee out as Sandin was coming across the ice, catching the young Maple Leaf at full speed and forcing him to leave the game. 

According to TSN's Chris Johnston, Sandin is estimated to be out for the next two to three weeks. 

One can only wonder if Pionk would have felt emboldened enough to commit such an actin the first place if the officials had not lost control of the game. The Jets and Maple Leafs clobbered each other on Sunday night, with Pionk's suspension not the only act of discipline handed down by the league as a result. Toronto's Jason Spezza also a hearing for a hit to the head of Pionk following the knee incident, while Wayne Simmonds has been fined $2,500.