Source: Andrew Ference faces ban

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BOSTON -- Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference will have a phone hearing with NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan on Sunday morning for his hit Saturday on New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh, a source confirmed to ESPNNewYork.com.

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Ference, who received a charging major and game misconduct on the play, is expected to face suspension, but can only receive a ban of five games or fewer since his hearing is over the phone. Any suspension over five games requires a player's right to an in-person hearing.

The 32-year-old Ference blasted McDonagh from behind and sent him into the end-boards during overtime of the Rangers' 3-2 OT win over the Bruins at TD Garden Saturday. McDonagh lay on the ice for several minutes before skating off on his own and exiting the ice to the trainer's room.

Coach John Tortorella did not have an update to provide on McDonagh, who was not available to the media, but made it pretty clear how he felt about the hit.

"It's one of the most dangerous hits I've seen in a while," Tortorella said. "Nothing has to be said as far as what should be done. It's a pretty easy call as far as I'm concerned."

Katie Strang covers the NHL for ESPNNewYork.com.

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Katie Strang

ESPNNewYork.com

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Katie Strang covers the Rangers, Islanders and Devils for ESPNNewYork.com. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
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