Walker not suspended for cheap shot on Ward

I am wading in the calm before the storm. Boston and Carolina will face-off in game six tomorrow night down in the land of the red storm. It is the second straight do or die game for the Bruins, and it should be a physical battle for sure.

Boston has awoken from their three game slumber, and Carolina is always difficult to play against in Raleigh. As for the Bruins news today, Boston participated in off-ice workouts.

However, the big story came off the ice. Everyone was waiting to see the suspension that would be handed out to Carolina's Scott Walker. This afternoon the decision came out and it was not a popular one in Boston.

Walker will not be suspended at all for his heavy right to the face of an unsuspecting Aaron Ward. The decision is puzzling for sure, as any game misconduct in the final five minutes of a game results in an automatic suspension for the next game.

After the NHL reviewed the incident they decided that Walker's actions were wrong, but not suspend able. Walker, however, was fined $2500 for his actions. So, why no suspension?

Milan Lucic was suspended for one game for similar actions. What about George Laraque? He was suspended six game for a sucker punch earlier this postseason. Granted, Laraque's was pre-meditated, but still. The fact of no suspension left not only this blogger a bit confused.

Peter Chiarelli issued the following statement regarding the league's lifting of the one-game suspension of Scott Walker:

"We respectfully disagree with the NHL's ruling to rescind the automatic suspension to Scott Walker, but we will abide by the league’s ruling," Chiarelli said.

No use in fighting it now Boston. Walker will be playing tomorrow night and it's time to step it up another level. Carolina will want to wrap it up tomorrow night and will try everything to not return to Boston for a potential game seven.

Aaron Ward's status for the game is still in question as of Monday night. Ward may have a broken bone in his face, however, look for him to play. I also expect Ward to wear a full visor, like Michael Ryder did earlier this season with a similar injury.

If this was the regular season Ward would be out of the game, no question. But, it is the playoffs and it could be the last game of the year. Ward is a gamer, and I expect him to play along side Zdeno Chara in game six.

Let's go Bruins! There will be blood.