Watch: Ottawa's Tim Stützle with a gutless play on Simon Benoit following a puck battle; he 100% deserves to be suspended

In the first period of today's matchup between the Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks, Sens forward Tim Stützle found himself in some potential suspension trouble. After taking a hit in the corner from Ducks defenseman Simon Benoit, Stützle retaliated by jabbing the butt end of his stick into Benoit's face.

The call on the ice was a two-minute minor on Stützle, but it's without a doubt that the NHL player safety will take a second look at the incident. The initial reaction from fans implies that the general audience believes a suspension is on the way for Stützle.

The biggest problem I have with this one is that it was clearly intentional and aimed to hurt Benoit. It was an aggressive reaction and completely retaliatory in nature. These are the types of plays that, in the past, have resulted in players being suspended - even without a prior history of suspension.


Unfortunately for Stützle, he is only worsening his reputation in the NHL. He is already heavily criticized for his diving and now he'll be watched closely for his willingness to retaliate and overreact to routine puck battles.

Stützle has been off to an excellent start for a Senators team that finds themselves last in the Atlantic Divison, with just six wins in 19 games played. The German forward is averaging a point per game this season, totalling 19 points in 19 games.

A lengthy suspension is not what this struggling team needs. Losing one of your best players for any period of time is troubling, but with the Senators being in the situation that they are currently in, this is more concerning and likely limits their chances of turning things around.

Only time will tell if NHL player safety takes action on this brutal play, but the 31st place Senators are in even more trouble if a suspension is handed out.

Credit: hockeydb.com