Suspend him or not: Antoine Roussel cross-checks Adam McQuaid in the neck

Stars winger Antoine Roussel is regarded as one of the NHL's tougher customers, but he's likely headed for a suspension after cross-checking Boston's Adam McQuaid in the neck Tuesday.

Dallas Stars left winger Antoine Roussel is regarded as one of the NHL's tougher customers, but when he cross-checked the neck of Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid Tuesday night, Roussel crossed the line and is likely going to receive a suspension for his actions.

It was early in the first period Tuesday in Boston when the play was moving up the ice from the Dallas zone and McQuaid narrowly missed hitting Roussel with what would have been a big check; McQuaid turns and immediately throws down his gloves, clearly willing to fight. But, rather than reply in kind, Roussel takes his stick and drives it directly into McQuaid's neck: (video via SomeHockeyVideos)

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trMxwH3iioI[/embed]

Roussel was assessed a five-minute major for cross-checking and ejected from the game. The 25-year-old was fined for a sucker punch on Sharks defenseman Justin Braun in November, but it appears highly unlikely he's going to escape a suspension this time around.