From the NHL, a little belatedly:
Bruins’ Backes Suspended Three Games for Interference
NEW YORK (March 7, 2018) – Boston Bruins forward David Backes has been suspended for three games, without pay, for interference against Detroit Red Wings forward Frans Nielsen during NHL Game No. 1020 in Boston on Tuesday, March 6, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
The incident occurred at 19:44 of the first period. Backes was assessed a minor penalty for roughing.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Backes will forfeit $96,774.18. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
According to the video, it was interference but Backes attempted to minimize contact, the head was not the primary point of contact, they did not say it was charging, and he had no prior history. Assuming that is all completely accurate, how is it anything more than 2 for interference?
Meanwhile, plenty of blatantly illegal and indefensible plays that also cause injury, but nothing comes of it. There is no standard.