Shanahan cites lack of intent in not suspending Lucic

TORONTO -- After a thorough review of the play, including a formal disciplinary hearing Monday, Brendan Shanahan, NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety and Hockey Operations, has decided against any further discipline to Boston forward Milan Lucic for his hit on Buffalo goalie Ryan Miller in Saturday's game at TD Garden.
 
Shanahan held a hearing with Lucic via conference call because he had specific questions he wanted to ask before making a determination on potential supplemental discipline.

"I had the hearing because I did make an initial assessment of the play as I do with all plays, but I did have some questions for Milan and I wanted to hear directly from him," Shanahan told NHL.com. "They were regarding his intent; at what point did he know there was going to be a collision; and whether or not he felt he had the time to avoid the collision. I was satisfied with his answers."
 
Shanahan said the minor penalty for charging was the proper call in this case because it follows Rule 42.1, which reads "a goalkeeper is not fair game just because he is outside the goal crease area."
 
"The minor penalty called on the ice was the correct call," Shanahan said. "And, while it's unfortunate that Miller was hurt I saw nothing egregious about this hit that would elevate it to supplemental discipline."
 
Lucic was issued a minor penalty for charging when he skated into Miller with 6:48 remaining in the first period of Saturday's game. Both Lucic and Miller were going after a puck, and the collision occurred inside the faceoff circle. Miller stayed in for the remainder of the first period and played all of the second period before being replaced by Jhonas Enroth to start the third period. Miller allowed 3 goals on 10 shots in the second period.
 
According to the Sabres, Miller suffered a concussion and will not play Monday in Montreal.
 
Follow Dan Rosen on Twitter at: @drosennhl

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