NHL Suspends Dennis Wideman for Hitting Official

According to several sources, the NHL has suspended Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman for cross checking linesman Don Henderson during Calgary's 2-1 loss to the Nashville Predators on Wednesday night.  The NHL says an in person hearing will be held on Tuesday.

Wideman claims that he didn't hit Henderson on purpose  He says that he had been hit pretty hard and was in pain and he was trying to get off the ice and didn't see Henderson.

As you see the video above, you can judge for yourself if it looks like Wideman was trying to avoid Henderson. NHL rules state that if a player strikes an official he will be suspended for 20 games.  We'll find out on Tuesday how many games Wideman will miss.