Steven Stamkos could face a long automatic suspension for angrily shooting puck at official

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C. Ritchie
June 27, 2022 (7:57)

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The Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup last night with a victory in Tampa Bay. But despite the season being over the league and NHL Player Safety may still have some issues on their docket. During the 2nd period Ryan McDonagh landed a hit from behind, which was immediately called.

But after the whistle blew, Steven Stamkos, who is usually calm and collected, lost his cool. Stamkos who had the puck when the penalty was called, turned and fired the puck hard at official Gord Dwyer.

Stamkos quickly apologized to the referee, but that action should have resulted in an automatic penalty. The amount of slashing, tripping and dangerous hits that weren't called during this game would have been frustrating for any player or team. The Colorado Avalanche just managed to stay more composed and it paid off for them in the end.

Under the current NHL Rules Stamkos should face a lengthy suspension for this.

40.4 Automatic Suspension � Category III � Any player who, by his actions, physically demeans an official or physically threatens an official by (but not limited to) throwing a stick or any other piece of equipment or object at or in the general direction of an official, shooting the puck at or in the general direction of an official, spitting at or in the general direction of an official, or who deliberately applies physical force to an official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an official during or immediately following an altercation shall be suspended for not less than three (3) games.