NHL Department of Player Safety has announced punishments for both Brad Marchand and Erik Cernak
Last night the NHL saw two incidents that required the intervention of NHL Player Safety. The first occured during the Boston Bruins and Seattle Kraken.
With the game tied at 4 late in the 3rd period, Brad Marchand made another questionable decision As the two teams began to push and shove after the whistle Marchand paired off with Oliver Bjorkstrand. As the two exchanged words Marchand slides his leg behind Bjorkstrand's tripping him.
The second incident occured between the Buffalo Sabres and Tampa Bay Lightning.
The incident occurred with less than 2 minutes left in the 3rd period as Kyle Okposo attempted to bring the puck into the Lightning zone. Erik Cernak then lines Okposo up for what would be a legal hit, until Cernak's elbow raises slightly and strike Okposo, who has a history of head injuries, directly in the face.
Today the NHL announced both players punishments.
With Marchand receiving a $5,000 fine and Erik Cernak receiving a 2 game suspension, the NHL ends their streak of 61 days without a suspension.
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531807.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
