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Mark Borowiecki suspended two games for boarding Tyler Toffoli (Video)

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 10: Mark Borowiecki #74 of the Ottawa Senators checks Tyler Toffoli #73 of the Los Angeles Kings into the boards for a boarding penalty during the first period at Staples Center on December 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Mark Borowiecki of the Ottawa Senators checks Tyler Toffoli of the Los Angeles Kings into the boards for a boarding penalty during the first period at Staples Center on December 10, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

Ottawa Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki has been suspended two games by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for boarding Los Angeles Kings forward Tyler Toffoli.

The play occurred early in the first period of their Saturday game, a 4-1 win by the Kings. Borowiecki was given a five-minute major off the hit and the Kings scored two power play goals on the ensuing man advantage.

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In the suspension video the Department of Player Safety pointed out that Borowiecki had time to gauge the fact that Toffoli had his back turned, which should have made Borowiecki alter his approach to the hit.

“With sufficient time to avoid or minimize the hit, Borowiecki instead hits forcefully through Toffoli’s numbers, driving him dangerously into the glass,” the video said.

Added the Department of Player Safety, “It’s important to note that while Toffoli is aware that Borowiecki is approaching, he does not turn his back immediately prior to or simultaneous with the check, in a manner that turns a legal hit into an illegal hit. Borowiecki has ample time to avoid, or at the very least minimize the impact of this check. Instead, traveling at high speed, Borowiecki uses his arms and drives Toffoli into the glass with significant force.”

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“I’m never looking to hurt people, but I need to play hard,” Borowiecki said according to the Ottawa Sun. “I got a little over-excited and that was the case.”

Added Borowiecki, “It happens so quick. I never want to put anyone in a bad spot. You guys know I play the game hard. If you look at anyone who plays my brand of hockey, there is going to be a couple of those every season.”

Toffoli left the game, but returned and played 11:30 and was a minus-1.

Borowiecki had not been fined or suspended in previous 174 games. This season he has one point in 28 games played and averaged 13:42 of ice-time per-game. Borowiecki will forfeit $12,222.22

The Senators play Sunday at the Anaheim Ducks and then Wednesday at home against the San Jose Sharks.

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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