Dustin Byfuglien suspended four games for cross-check

WINNIPEG – Just five games are left in the Winnipeg Jets’ playoff push, and four of those will be played without Dustin Byfuglien.

READ MORE: Winnipeg Jets could lose Dustin Byfuglien after ‘vicious’ cross-check

The Jets’ all-star defenceman was suspended Thursday by NHL Player Safety for crosschecking J.T. Miller during Tuesday’s game against the New York Rangers.

“I know he didn’t mean to hit him in the neck, he was probably trying to get him in the back and… hit the wrong spot,” said Jets forward Andrew Ladd.

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READ MORE: Winnipeg Jets say Byfuglien’s not a dirty player

While Byfuglien will be missed during the team’s playoff push, it’s not the first time the Jets have faced adversity this season.

“Maybe it makes us play a closer team game and good things come with that,” said Ladd.

Jay Harrison will be added to the lineup to help fill Byfuglien’s void.

“He covers a lot of ice… which helps the style of game that we want to play,” said Jets head coach Paul Maurice about Harrison.