On Saturday, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced San Jose Sharks forward Evander Kane has been suspended three games for elbowing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk — and Kane is less than thrilled.
After hearing news of his suspension, Kane released a statement in response claiming that the Department of Player Safety "give some players a pass and throw the book at others."
"The fact the NHL Department of Player Safety headed by George Parros continue to pick and choose, who and what they suspend is ridiculous," Kane wrote. "No one person can tell you what is or isn't a suspension in today's game, it's become a complete guess. There is a major lack of consistency with NHL Department of Player Safety ... None of it makes any sense."
MY STATEMENT: pic.twitter.com/taoALpVmvn
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) February 15, 2020
With just under seven minutes left in regulation in the Sharks' 3-2 win over Winnipeg, Kane issued a check on Pionk deep in the Jets' defensive zone. According to the Player Safety video detailing the event, Kane "raises his arm, extends his elbow and drives it with force into Pionk's head."
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#ICYMI Here was the #SJSharks Evander Kane elbow on #GoJetsGo Neal Pionk. pic.twitter.com/Fchdc7aI7W
— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) February 15, 2020
The Sharks forward was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for elbowing.
Kane also tweeted a couple of replays in his frustration, asking why players were not suspended for their actions on the ice.
But I thought this was a 1 game playoff suspension??? No? https://t.co/v6NCUqquGI
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) February 15, 2020
But this doesn’t get anything?? Tell me what this difference is please! https://t.co/MSw50eIENa
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) February 15, 2020
Zdeno Chara was fined $5,000 for his cross-check and Lawson Crouse was given no external discipline for his check.
San Jose entered the season with playoff aspirations but now sit 10 points out of a wild card spot with just 25 games left in the season. The team suffered another loss on Saturday when it announced that defenseman Erik Karlsson will miss the remainder of the season with a broken thumb.
This is Kane's second suspension of the season — he was forced to sit out the first three games of the season for physical abuse of an official. He was also suspended one game in 2018 for cross-checking.
Kane has 21 goals and 37 points this season. He will be eligible to return for San Jose's Feb. 22 game against the New York Rangers.