Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – Buffalo Sabres defenseman Connor Clifton has been suspended two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for a hit to the head of New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier on Friday night.
This is the first time in his career that Clifton has been suspended.
In the video, the NHL thought the hit was avoidable because Hischier had already dumped the puck into the Sabres zone. They also felt the head was the main point of contact.
Clifton was extremely remorseful and knew he had made a mistake.
"First and foremost, I hope he’s OK. I was glad to see him come back," said Clifton on Saturday.
"I’ve always tried to play hard and the right way, I think I’ve proven that. I’ve played almost 300 games with zero incidents and zero fines, but yes, I mistimed the hit. Obviously there was head contact, which I didn’t intend to do. It’s a fast game, and I wish I took a different approach.
"I kind of thought he was going to catch it and carry it in, and I hit him when he was tilted. I just brushed his inside shoulder and hit him right in the head."
Clifton has no issue with player safety, and he actually agrees with their decision.
"It’s the kind of hit you want out of the game. It was a good call," Clifton said. "I gave them my opinion exactly the way I’m giving it now, because regardless of what he did, as a hitter, it’s your responsibility to throw the safe hit. Unfortunately, I didn’t do that.
"You don’t want to be hitting guys in the head, and it’s what everyone wants out of the game. Player Safety, they make the league a better place, and a safer environment for players."
Clifton says when his suspension is over, he’s going to keep the same physicality that he’s always played with.
The veteran defenseman was also upset with himself for hurting the team. He didn’t like the fact that with him being kicked out of the game, the team had to use five defensemen for 44 minutes.
With Clifton out, Jacob Bryson will play his first game of the season. Bryson was excellent in training camp after struggling for most of last year.
Sabres head coach Don Granato liked what he’s seen from him in both practice and the preseason games,
"He’s been more assertive, more confident. His confidence took a hit last year, and we know if that’s the case in the NHL, you’re in trouble," said Granato on Saturday. "Last year was a challenge for him, so the hindsight and the opportunity to step back; he gained hindsight by collecting his thoughts, and you saw from Day 1 that he presented as a more mature player with a greater perspective and an increased compete."
Bryson will be paired with Erik Johnson come Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche.
