News: Former NY Islanders forward Leo Komarov suspended for shoving official

Maybe it's a coincidence, maybe it's not, but ever since the NY Islanders waived Leo Komarov and terminated his contract, they Isles haven't been quite as good. He never lit up the score sheet, but he played a fiery, edgy game that got under the skins of his opponents, a trait that fit the Islanders in his time quite well. He's since been playing overseas most recently in the SHL, Sweden's highest professional league, for Lulea HF. On Thursday, Komarov lost his temper on the ice and shoved a referee, receiving a two-game suspension.

Komarov signed this summer with Luela, playing in his first season in the SHL. In 33 contests, he's scored nine goals and 15 points. Last season, Komarov made his way to the KHL following his terminated contract signing with St. Petersburg SKA. He played 18 games and scored four goals and six points.

In a game against Färjestad last night, Komarov became frustrated with the clock winding down and Lulea applying pressure. The whistle blew as Komarov and Co. were fighting for position at the top of Färjestad crease. After the whistle, Komarov and the referee were clearly at odds with each other resulting in Komarov shoving the official.

"He pushes me in the chest and I take the rule we have in that situation, which is 20 minutes for "physical abuse", says linesman Jan Sandström to NSD.

Komarov was ejected from the game and later, the SHL disciplinary comittee announced that the 35-year-old forward is going to be suspended for Luela's next two games. According to hbl.fi, the disagreement between the official and Komarov was the result of the referee blowing the whistle "very close to Komarov."

Komarov will be out of game action for the next week, serving his suspension, before returning to the lineup on Saturday January 21st against Linköping.