Brad Richards is one of the star players on the New York Rangers, which is one reason why the team was extremely upset with Buffalo Sabres star Patrick Kaleta during Sunday's game at Madison Square Garden after he knocked Richards face-first into the boards.
According to ESPN.com, the Rangers were none too happy with Kaleta after the incident, which saw Richards fly head first into the boards after a push in the back from Kaleta. Richards later returned to the game, but he was visibly shaken up after the hit and remained down on the ice momentarily.
The Rangers won the game 3-2, but head coach John Tortorella was angry after the game about the hit. Kaleta was tossed from the game after a misconduct penalty and the Rangers capitalized with two power play goals in the matchup.
"It's probably one of the most dangerous hits I've ever seen," Rangers coach John Tortorella said after the game. "It's ridiculous."
Kaleta is a repeat offender and the NHL has scheduled a Monday hearing to review the hit and decide whether the Sabres player should be suspended. NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan is holding the hearing and it will be by phone, meaning the maximum of five games could be the punishment.
Kaleta hit Richards with his stick in the back at 3:28 of the third period and the Rangers were able to take the lead 2-1 after scoring goals on the five-minute power play.
"I'm glad we made them pay," Rangers coach John Tortorella told news reporters after the game. "It's disgusting. It's a lack of respect. Each team wants to beat the other team, but you have to respect what's going on, on the ice."
Kaleta previously was suspended for four games after a head-butting incident on Philadelphia Flyers' Jakub Voracek and since it came within the 18-month limit, he is a repeat offender in the NHL's eyes.
"I don't know what game he plays, actually," Richards said. "He doesn't play hockey to begin with. Same guy, all the time."
The Rangers were able to salvage the victory in overtime and the team has started to come on as of late after getting off to a slow start this NHL season.