Jets' Dustin Byfuglien Suspended? Patrick Kane Back to Blackhawks Practice

Dustin Byfuglien is facing a possible suspension which can jeopardize the Winnipeg Jets' playoff goals.

NHL.com reported that the large defenseman is set to have a telephone hearing on April 2, 2015 with the NHL Department of Player Safety's Stephane Quintal for hitting forward J.T. Miller of the New York Rangers during their game at MTS Center on March 31.

At 17:23 during the second period, Byfuglien hit Miller, although no penalty was called on the play. Miller stayed in the game. Cross checking is a ground for supplemental discipline, but the Department of Player Safety keeps the right to adjust the infraction upon review. Byfuglien might be suspended for several games, although there are only five games remaining in the current season.

USA Today reported that the Jets were trying to keep their two-point lead in the Western Conference wild-card competition. The 260-pound defenseman hit Miller's nick with a vicious cross-check. New York Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said after the Rangers won 3-2 that the hit was one of the "most vicious cross-checks" he witnessed in the current season. He added that Byfuglien could have broken Miller's neck. Reviewing the tape, the powerful cross-check was unreasonable to stop Miller, prompting viewers that the much larger Byfuglien deserves to be suspended.

If Byfuglien would be slapped with a suspension for five or fewer games, Winnipeg's playoff aspirations could be damaged severely. However, the Jets went 6-3 while Byfuglien was absent due to injury. It is still worthy to note that the Jets play better with the defenseman in the lineup. He scored three goals during the first two games after he returned from injury.

Yahoo Sports reported that Miller was not hurt by the hit, amazingly. If Byfuglien is suspended for four games, he will return just in time for the game against the Calgary Flames for the last game of the season. The Jets are set to play next against the Vancouver Canucks, Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues. Winning these games will be crucial for the team and are deemed to be among the most vital, since the Jets moved from Atlanta to Winnipeg in 2011.

If Byfuglien will be suspended for the remainder of the season and the Jets fail to make the playoffs, Winnipeg fans only have Byfuglien to blame. The Jets need his booming shot and huge presence on the ice as the playoffs draw nearer.

Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports also reports that Patrick Kane has started skating with the Chicago Blackhawks once again. Kane has been out due to an injured clavicle he incurred in February. He was supposed to be on leave for 12 weeks. His presence in the team's practice sessions is not indicative of his instant return, however, as he reportedly needs a few weeks to fully recover.