Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak has been handed a two-game suspension by the NHL for delivering an illegal check to the head of New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi during a game on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
This marks the first suspension in Pastrnak’s young NHL career. The 20-year-old forward committed the infraction during the second period of the game, which the Bruins ultimately lost 5-2, extending their current losing streak to three games. The incident occurred with 10 minutes and 55 seconds left in the period, as Girardi was attempting to play a puck that was airborne. Pastrnak delivered a forceful open-ice hit that connected directly with Girardi’s head. Although the referees on the ice assessed a minor penalty for the hit, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety reviewed the play and concluded that Pastrnak’s check was avoidable and directly targeted the head — a violation of the league’s safety rules designed to protect players from concussions and other head injuries.
As a consequence of the suspension, Pastrnak will miss the Bruins’ next two games. The timing is less than ideal for Boston, as they are about to embark on a three-game road trip that includes matchups against the Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning. The road swing kicks off Saturday night in Detroit at Joe Louis Arena. Pastrnak has been one of the Bruins’ top offensive contributors early in the season, currently leading the team with five goals in just seven games. His absence could be a significant blow to a team already struggling to gain momentum.
In addition to the suspension, Pastrnak will lose $10,277.78 in salary for the two games he will miss. That amount will be directed to the NHL Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, a league initiative that provides financial support to players facing unforeseen hardship. The NHL’s decision sends a message about the importance of player safety and reinforces the league’s ongoing efforts to minimize dangerous hits, especially those targeting the head.
