Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews was suspended two games by the NHL on Monday for his cross-check on Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during the Heritage Classic.
The league announced its decision after Matthews’ hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. Matthews will sit out Toronto’s home games against the Dallas Stars (Tuesday) and Carolina Hurricanes (Thursday).
Dahlin initially cross-checked Matthews to the ice in the Sabres’ crease before the latter responded with one of his own at 14:55 of the third period of Buffalo’s 5-2 win on Sunday in Hamilton, Ontario. Matthews’ stick caught Dahlin in the neck and head area, which caught the attention of players from both teams.
“You’re just battling in front of the net,” Matthews said after the game. “I felt like I kind of rode up his shoulder and his shoulder pack rolled up a little bit. That’s hockey; you’re competing out there.”
The two players each were assessed a minor penalty for cross-checking on the play.
A two-time Lady Byng Trophy finalist, Matthews had no prior history of supplemental discipline from the league.
Matthews, 24, has an NHL-best 45 goals this season. His 77 points are six shy of Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Florida Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau for the league lead.
Matthews is riding a five-game goal and point streak, during which he has eight goals and one assist.
–Field Level Media
