NHL schedules hearing for Blackhawks' Duncan Keith after elbow on Daniel Sedin

The National Hockey League will hear Duncan Keith’s side of the story in a telephone hearing on Friday (March 23) morning after the Chicago Blackhawk defenseman nailed Canucks forward Daniel Sedin with an elbow to the face in the first period of Wednesday’s game between the bitter rivals at the United Center.

Keith received a minor penalty on the play while Sedin, the Canucks leading goal-scorer, remained in the game for a shift, but left after that and did not return. He has since been sent home to Vancouver for further medical evaluation and will not play for the Canucks tonight (March 22) in Dallas nor in Denver on Saturday.

Keith’s hearing with the league will take place by teleconference which means the 2010 Norris trophy winner as the NHL’s best defenseman cannot be suspended for more than five games. Chicago does not play again until Sunday so there is no urgency on the part of the league to rule in this matter and just because the hearing is scheduled for tomorrow does not mean a decision will be handed down by the NHL on Friday.

Sedin leads the Canucks with 30 goals this season and is second on the team with 67 points. He does not have a history of concussion problems which should help his recovery and speed his return to the lineup. With nine regular season games remaining before the playoffs, however, the Canucks will take no chances on rushing Daniel Sedin back into action.