The NHL carefully reviewed Mike Richards’ violent shoulder check to the head of Florida Panthers left wing David Booth and concluded no suspension was warranted. Several criteria played into the decision and the league determined Richards had no intent to injure, did not leave his feet to make the hit and benefited from never being disciplined by the NHL in five seasons. Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren and coach John Stevens contended the hit was legal, saying Richards was backchecking and simply intended to separate Booth from the puck.

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