Jujhar Khaira suspended two games for cross-check

The NHL has handed Jujhar Khaira a two-game suspension following his cross-check on Vince Dunn in Tuesday’s loss to the Blues.

The NHL announced earlier today that Khaira would have a hearing for the play.

The incident occurred at 9:03 of the third period after Khaira laid out Dunn with a hit in the corner. The Blues’ defenseman took exception to the hit and retaliated, giving a cross-check to the Edmonton forward. Khaira then retaliated with a hard cross-check to Dunn’s head that the NHL deemed suspension worthy.

Here’s a look at the sequence:

Khaira was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for cross-checking on the play. Dunn, meanwhile, was assessed a two minute minor for cross-checking.

While Dunn wasn’t suspended for his actions, he was given a fine for his role in the incident. Dunn was fined $1,942.20, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for cross-checking Khaira.

Retaliation is not something you’d expect to see from the 24-year-old Edmonton forward. He was clearly bothered by Dunn giving him a cross-check, however, and went overboard with his retaliation.

Khaira has been excellent for the Oilers of late, tallying two goals and eight points in the last 10 games. The 6’4″ 212 lbs winger has two goals, 13 points and 32 PIM in 33 games on the season.

Khaira had an assist on Jesse Puljujvarvi’s goal Tuesday, but will be watching from the sidelines for the next two games as the team tries to end a two-game losing streak in home games against the Lighting and Canucks.