Today In NHL History - Walker Punches Ward

On May 10th in 2009, Carolina Hurricanes forward Scott Walker sucker-punched Boston Bruins blueliner Aaron Ward down 4-0 with three minutes remaining in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal.

Walker was penalized 17 minutes and assessed a $2,500 fine but amazingly escaped suspension despite Rules 46.12 and 46.22 mandating such for instigating a fight with 5 minutes to play. Ward didn't miss a game quieting post game chatter of a broken orbital bone.

Boston beat Carolina that night by a score of 4-0 but lost the series 4-3.

That's today in NHL history.