Commissioner Gary Bettman ruled today that Ryan Hartman's ten-game suspension for slamming Tim Stützle’s face into the ice was too harsh.

In hearing the Minnesota Wild forward’s recent appeal, Bettman reviewed video footage of the incident and explained his decision in a detailed ruling released by the league today. 

With 16 seconds remaining in the second period, as Ottawa was ahead by a score of 3-0, Hartman and Ottawa forward Tim Stutzle were lined up to take a face-off. As the puck was dropped, Mr. Stutzle leaned forward in an attempt to win the face-off with his head down low in a vulnerable position. Mr. Hartman took his right hand off his stick and applied his forearm to the back of Mr. Stutzle's head and neck, and ultimately utilized his entire body weight to drive Mr. Stutzle's head downward, slamming Mr. Stutzle face first into the ice.

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Bettman’s blunt description of the incident might make you want to call the cops on Hartman. However, the Commissioner decided to reduce the ten-game suspension to eight games. He agreed with most of the Department of Player Safety’s rulings, except for the length of the suspension.

The question every Ottawa Senators fan would have is: “Why?”

The NHLPA argued that Hartman’s suspension was unfair, citing other cases where NHL players received lighter penalties. 

From Bettman's ruling: 

The NHLPA cited prior suspensions issued to players like Mr. Hartman who have been suspended at least four times prior Nazem Kadri, Evander Kane, Brad Marchand, Zac Rinaldo and Tom Wilson. The PA argues that, in those prior instances, the  NHL Department of Player Safety had either decreased the suspension length in the player's fifth or 6th suspension or increased the suspension in a "far less significant manner" than applied to Mr Hartman

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But Bettman didn't think those other suspensions were particularly relevant, especially since no one can remember an incident like this to use as an appropriate precedent. The reason he decided to reduce Hartman's ban was that is was basically too big a jump from the length of his last suspension.

I do find that an increase of seven games from Mr. Hartman's last suspension to this one is excessive in this case and that the quantum of increase should be reduced.

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This reasoning for leniency seems odd, if not bizarre. It’s hard to imagine a judge reducing a bank robber’s punishment because it was too excessive compared to his recent jaywalking ticket. Last year, Bettman had no issue with the disparity between Shane Pinto's last suspension (never had one) and a smooth 42-gamer.

Hartman will now be eligible to return for the Wild’s game on March 4th

This article is from The Hockey News Ottawa. For more Sens coverage all season long, be sure to bookmark THN Ottawa.