NHL has reviewed the MacKinnon slash - You definitely wont like the results!
During today's game against the Boston Bruins, after losing the draw it looks like MacKinnon goes to take out some frustration on his opponent and hits the referee instead.
Did Nathan Mackinnon slash the linesy?!?? pic.twitter.com/W6qKlvhlx8� World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) February 21, 2022
According to the NHL rulebook:
40.2 Automatic Suspension - Category I: Any player that injures or tries to injure an official gets a minimum of 20 games. The rulebook defines "intent to injure" as "any physical force which a player knew or should have known could reasonably be expected to cause injury." So if anyone tried to pull a Chris Simon on an official, he can't then claim, "I didn't know it could hurt him like that." Actually, he can, but his claim won't be taken seriously.
40.3 Automatic Suspension - Category II: This rule subset outlines a lighter punishment if a player applies physical force "without intent to injure." It also includes a provision against spitting on an official. Violations under this rule incur a minimum 10-game suspension.
40.4 Automatic Suspension - Category III: A longer list of offenses�including physicially demeaning, physically threatening, spitting at (as opposed to on) an official, or physically forcing himself free from an official�incurs an even lighter 3-game suspension minimum.
40.3 Automatic Suspension - Category II: This rule subset outlines a lighter punishment if a player applies physical force "without intent to injure." It also includes a provision against spitting on an official. Violations under this rule incur a minimum 10-game suspension.
40.4 Automatic Suspension - Category III: A longer list of offenses�including physicially demeaning, physically threatening, spitting at (as opposed to on) an official, or physically forcing himself free from an official�incurs an even lighter 3-game suspension minimum.
But it does not seem like this is going to be the case for MacKinnon as the league has seemed to rule that it was unintentional.
Lots of talk this afternoon regarding this stick incident involving @Avalanche MacKinnon and @NHL official. #NHL hockey operations have investigated it with officials and all concluded zero intent. No further review I'm told will be necessary. #RealKyperandBourne @FAN590 https://t.co/WG00WvBAbR� Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) February 22, 2022
MUST READ
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period 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/531393.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) blocks a shot by Team USA forward Jake Guentzel (59) during the third period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530971.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) blocks a shot by Team USA forward Jake Guentzel (59) during the third period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531100.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Sidney Crosby (87) lifts the 4 Nations Face-Off trophy after winning against Team USA in overtime during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
