SAN JOSE – Sharks forward Micheal Haley has been suspended one game for punching Nashville's Calle Jarnkrok on Saturday in San Jose's 7-2 loss, and will miss Tuesday's home game with the Rangers.
After absorbing a borderline hit from behind into the glass by Jarnkrok, Haley tracked down the Predators forward and promptly delivered a left jab to Jarnkrok's face at 12:56 of the final frame. He received a match penalty for intent to injure on the play.
According to the video released by the league, Haley "was seeking retribution" for the hit by Jarnkrok, who was already being penalized for boarding, and delivered a "forceful punch on an opponent who was not able to defend himself at the time."
The 30-year-old Haley, who has never been fined or suspended before in his career, gave his perspective of what happened on Monday.
"We were breaking out there and next thing I know I was face first in the glass," Haley said. "Just emotions [took over]. Kind of scared from the hit and I just went after him. Looked at him right in the eyes. He saw me. By the time I swung at him his face might have turned a bit. When I went at him I saw him clearly look at me, and I thought he knew I was coming."
Haley expected Jarnkrok to engage him after the Predators forward delivered the bad check.
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"I thought it was a pretty dirty hit, and I thought I gave him ample amount of time. I think he [had] enough time to know what I was trying to do, and trying to get him to fight."
He added: "In hindsight, I wish none of it happened. I wish I didn't get hit and I wish I didn't punch him, but it happened. I don't think I started it. It wasn't premeditated or anything. If I missed that punch then we probably don't have this conversation."
In 54 games this season, Haley has two goals and nine assists for 11 points. His 110 penalty minutes is fifth in the league.
