The duo are not really suspended as they will still get their salary, but to bypass the All-Star game and not show up for any of the festivities forced Bettman to make them miss the first game back, which happens to be on Tuesday. Bettman did not give Sidney Crosby the same penalty as he showed up in Montreal for the weekend and participated with the NHL's advertisers etc. even though he was unable to play on Sunday.

But Datsyuk and Lidstrom decided not to go to Montreal and used the time to spend with their families. While we can't argue with the fact that they want to spend some time with their family, the All-Star game is still a showcase for the league and it is very important that all the stars in the NHL treat it as so.

Players next season will think twice before they decide that they will miss the game, with the penalty of missing a regular season game if they do not show up.

Good decision Gary.