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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has upheld the suspension of Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman for slamming an opponent's head to the ice. Bettman made the unusual decision to reduce the penalty from 10 games to the union-recommended eight after hearing Hartman's in-person appeal. Hartman was punished for roughing Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stutzle earlier this month. This is his fourth suspension in the last 22 months. Hartman contended he was using his arm to balance himself during a faceoff and did not intend to shove Stutzle down. Bettman said he believes the contact was intentional.
