Spurgeon avoids suspension for cross-checking Buchnevich's ankle
Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon won't miss any games for cross-checking St. Louis Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich in the ankle on Monday night.
Spurgeon was fined $5,000 for the incident, which took place late in the Blues' 4-0 victory in Game 1.
This is the cross check from Jared Spurgeon that many thought would result in a suspension. Very out of character from the #MNWild captain. He’s lucky to be playing in Game 2. pic.twitter.com/BBSwJVwJaT
— Dane Mizutani (@DaneMizutani) May 3, 2022
The officials handed Spurgeon a minor penalty for cross-checking. The Wild captain hadn't been fined or suspended in his 12-year career.
Losing Spurgeon for any length of time would've been significant for Minnesota. The 32-year-old led the club in average ice time this season, logging 22:23 per game. He notched 10 goals and 30 assists over 65 contests in 2021-22.
The veteran blue-liner ranks second on the Wild's all-time games played list, third in assists, and sixth in points.