The NHL released a statement Tuesday saying there would be no discipline for Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon for hitting a linesman during Monday’s game against Boston, ruling the Avalanche forward intended to slash a Bruins player instead.
The incident occurred in the third period of the game after the Bruins scored to make it 5-1. MacKinnon lost the ensuing faceoff to Boston’s Tomas Nosek and took a swing at him but hit linesman Michel Cormier instead.
“Last night, one of our officials was struck by a player with his stick immediately after a face-off,” the league said in a statement. “We immediately investigated the incident and, having conferred with the on-ice officiating crew and the NHL Officials’ Association, it has been determined the player’s intention was not to strike the official, but, rather, to initiate contact with the opposing player. Given this conclusion, it has been determined that no further discipline is necessary.”
The NHL added that its ruling “should in no way be seen as a diminution of our steadfast conviction to protect our officials.”
MacKinnon had the lone goal for Colorado in the loss.
–Field Level Media