New York Rangers divisional rivals forward faces major suspension following a vicious two handed-slash
Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders delivers a brutal two-handed slash on Mason Marchment, and the NHL Player Safety talk is back.
Sunday night in Columbus turned ugly fast when Barzal was assessed a five-minute major for slashing and a game misconduct after a retaliation sequence involving Mason Marchment.
The play started with Marchment tangling with rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, drawing a tripping call, and then Barzal came back with a two-handed swing of his stick. Marchment got two minutes, Barzal got the door.
#Isles Mathew Barzal gets a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for slashing #CBJ's Mason Marchment, who gets 2 minutes for tripping Matthew Schaefer.
If you are a Rangers fan watching the Metro, it is hard not to smirk at the timing. The Islanders losing their best transition forward for almost two periods changes everything about how they generate speed.
The bigger problem for the Isles is what happened after, because the game did not settle down. As the Columbus finished the comeback in a 4-2 win, after New York had pushed ahead 2-1.
Mathew Barzal faces suspension after two-handed slash
That's where the suspension chatter comes from, not just the penalty itself. Barzal had clear intentions behind «swinging his stick,» and the clip looks like the kind of moment the league reviews on Monday mornings.
According the NHL Player Safety rules, it's clear that this type of play should be reviewed as it fits the category that states the following:
Per Article 18.2 in the CBA between the NHL and the NHLPA:
"... In deciding on Supplementary Discipline for On-Ice Conduct, the following factors will be taken into account:
(a) The type of conduct involved: conduct in violation of League Playing Rules, and whether the conduct is intentional or reckless, and involves the use of excessive and unnecessary force. Players are responsible for the consequences of their actions.
(b) Injury to the opposing Player(s) involved in the incident.
(c) The status of the offender and, specifically, whether the Player has a history of being subject to Supplementary Discipline for On-Ice Conduct. Players who repeatedly violate League Playing Rules will be more severely punished for each new violation.
"... In deciding on Supplementary Discipline for On-Ice Conduct, the following factors will be taken into account:
(a) The type of conduct involved: conduct in violation of League Playing Rules, and whether the conduct is intentional or reckless, and involves the use of excessive and unnecessary force. Players are responsible for the consequences of their actions.
(b) Injury to the opposing Player(s) involved in the incident.
(c) The status of the offender and, specifically, whether the Player has a history of being subject to Supplementary Discipline for On-Ice Conduct. Players who repeatedly violate League Playing Rules will be more severely punished for each new violation.
The next milestone is clear, watch for a Player Safety update Monday, then we will know if this was a bad night or a bigger problem.
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 28 | 57 ANSWERS New York Rangers divisional rivals forward faces major suspension following a vicious two handed-slash Should NHL Player Safety suspend Mathew Barzal for the slash on Mason Marchment? | ||
| Yes | 42 | 73.7 % |
| Fine only | 9 | 15.8 % |
| No discipline | 3 | 5.3 % |
| Unsure | 3 | 5.3 % |
| List of polls | ||