NEW YORK — The NHL has suspended Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman 20 games for cross-checking a linesman during a game last week.
Wideman was suspended Wednesday for violating the league rule on physical abuse of officials after he struck linesman Don Henderson and knocked him down during the Flames’ game against Nashville on Jan. 27.
The Players’ Association said it filed an appeal on Wideman’s behalf.
The 32-year-old will forfeit $564,516 in salary as a result of the suspension, which is the second-longest in NHL history for abusing an official. Gordie Dwyer of the Tampa Bay Lightning was suspended 23 games in part for abuse of officials during an exhibition game in 2000.
Wideman had a hearing with the NHL’s department of hockey operations on Tuesday.
