Panthers Matheson Suspended for Two

On Monday afternoon, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that they had suspended Florida Panthers defenseman Mike Matheson for his body slam of Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday night.  Matheson was suspended for interference and unsportsmanlike conduct on the play, after he had legally finished his check on the play.  Pettersson suffered a concussion on the play and will miss the next week's worth of action.

The 24-year old will miss Tuesday night's game in Philadelphia and then Friday night's game in Washington, eligible to return on Saturday, when the Panthers return home to face the Red Wings.

Two games for a defenseman on John P.'s roster won't be such a huge burden to bear, but it is certainly worse than having him in the lineup everyday.  John's defense is off to a slow start, where three out of the four defenders, including Matheson, have yet to register a point in the early part of this season, but you can bet your lucky stars that John is happy to have John Carlson of the Capitals on his team, picking up the slack.  John's team opens the week in 9th place, 4 points out of 3rd place, which is pretty good shape.