New York Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin was suspended one game by the NHL for cross checking Pittsburgh Penguins forward Connor Dewar in the face during a game Thursday.
The league announced the suspension Friday afternoon.
During the late stages of the Penguins’ 4-3 win at PPG Paints Arena, Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry froze a puck in his crease and players from both teams gathered in a scrum. Drouin and Dewar exchanged a handful of shoves before Drouin mashed his stick into Dewar’s face.
Drouin was given a major penalty for cross checking and a game misconduct immediately afterward by in-game officials at 19:45 of the third period.
The NHL issued a video explaining the criteria for the suspension.
“In this instance, play is stopped and there is no hockey purpose for Drouin’s cross check,” said a narrator. “While we have heard Drouin’s assertion that he does not intend to strike Dewar in this manner, players are responsible for their sticks at all times. Drouin is in control of his stick and chooses to raise it to an unacceptable height to deliver a blow that lands directly on his opponent’s face with sufficient force to merit supplemental discipline.”
This is Drouin’s first suspension in his 12-year career.
As a result of the suspension, Drouin will forfeit $20,833.33 in salary. That money will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
