Carcillo suspended indefinitely for violent hit

The NHL has suspended Blackhawks forward Daniel Carcillo indefinitely pending an in-person hearing with the league for his hit on Oilers defenseman Tom Gilbert in Monday night’s 4-3 victory by the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center.

Carcillo extended his arms in hitting Gilbert into the end boards near the Edmonton net in the second period as both players were racing for the puck. Gilbert tried to brace for the hit, but Carcillo got leverage on him and sent him flying into the boards. He was given a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct while the Oilers scored two power play goals.

“It’s a quick moment when you’re going for a counter-hit when you are fighting for a puck, and he probably had better leverage than the other guy”, said Hawks coach Joel Quenneville on Tuesday. “His intent wasn’t what happened.”

Both Carcillo and Gilbert left the game with knee injuries. The Hawks are awaiting MRI and other test results.

“He's still being evaluated, so we haven't heard the latest on that,” Quenneville said after practice at Johnny's IceHouse West. “It's tough to say right now. We'll know better after we know more.”

Gilbert will miss Tuesday's game in Buffalo.

“I knew who it was and you have to be aware,” Gilbert told reporters on Tuesday in Buffalo. “I should have been more ready for a guy who has made those kinds of hits before.”

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