Volchenkov has been suspended before because of a similar incident back in 2011. In a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, Volchenkov elbowed Zach Boychuk. Volchenkov received a three game suspension and a 68,548.33 dollar fine.

Although Volchenkov is not classified as a repeat offender because the previous incident was over 18 months ago, the NHL did not forget about it.

Volchenkov did not make any attempt to play the puck. He skated right at Marchand and targeted the head. The hit was worthy of this suspension. With that said, Volchenkov

With Volchenkov suspended for the next four games, Peter Harrold will most likely be in the lineup.

Feb 9, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils right wing Ilya Kovalchuk (17) shoots the puck during the first period of their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

There is no doubt that the return of Kovalchuk is needed, but he expressed that he does not want to return to the lineup if he will not be effective.

Anton, third on the Devils with 33 blocked shots in 22 games played, came up huge in the third period. After an Ilya Kovalchuk tripping penalty 1:03 into the period, Volchenkov was one of four Devils penalty killers on the ice. Evander Kane, who scored the game tying goal earlier in the second period appeared to have found a golden shooting lane from the point, but Volchenkov had other ideas.

#28 for New Jersey sacrificed his body and took Kane’s shot directly in the back. Volchenkov went down to the ice, but was unable to initially get to the bench because the puck was kept in the zone by the Jets. As the play continued and Volchenkov hobbled to his feet, he was able to muster the strength to attempt a diving sweep check. This was successful, and the Devils were able to clear the zone to allow for a change in their penalty killers. Volchenkov headed directly to the locker room, and at this point all thought that his night was over.

Anton Volchenkov, the ironman for the New Jersey Devils in last night’s 3-2 shootout victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After a brief visit to the locker room, Volchenkov was back on the bench. He may not have even missed a single shift! The crowd at Prudential Center was shocked to see him back on the ice so quickly, especially when he almost gave the Devils a 3-2 lead on a two on one after leaving the bench.

Volchenkov would make one more outstanding play before the Devils pulled out the victory in the shootout. Still a tie game, Zach Bogosian ripped a slap shot hoping to give the Jets the two points in the standings. However, Volchenkov sacrificed his foot this time and blocked Bogosian’s shot. Anton’s night ended here as his foot required X-rays.

Luckily, the X-rays came back negative. It seems that he will be in the lineup when the Devils face off against the Philadelphia Flyers at 7:30 on Wednesday at the Prudential Center in Newark. One wouldn’t expect anything different from last night’s New Jersey Devils ironman.