Likely Suspension Incoming for Colorado Avalanche Forward Matt Stienburg After Dangerous Charge on Erik Cernak
Matt Stienburg of the Colorado Avalanche will have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety today after getting a game misconduct against Tampa Bay
The NHL Department of Player Safety has decided a member of the Colorado Avalanche will need to plead his case to not be suspended, as he's been summoned for a hearing. Matt Stienburg of the Colorado Avalanche received a 5 minute major and a game misconduct last night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Late in the second period of the game, the Colorado Avalanche's Matt Stienburg drilled Erik Cernak of the Tampa Bay Lightning into the boards, getting his feet well off the ice in the process. Cernak left the game and did not return.
Earlier today, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Matt Stienburg of the Colorado Avalanche would have a hearing with them for charging.
Following the game, Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper was asked for an update on Erik Cernak, but had little information at the time. He did say he was hoping Cernak would only need a few days to recover, but wasn't 100 percent sure at the time.
There's little argument to be made here in Matt Stienburg's defense, even if it was retaliation for an earlier hit. You can't have your feet leave the ice when making a hit, unless it happens through the sheer force of the collision. This was not the case here. Stienburg clearly jumped into Erik Cernak, which is why he's having a hearing with Player Safety. Stienburg, 22, made his debut in the NHL this season. He is known for playing on the edge, dropping the gloves with fellow tough guy Nikita Zadorov early in the 2024-25 season.
| POLL | ||
What do you think Matt Steinberg of the Colorado Avalanche should get for the hit on Erik Cernak? | ||
| A fine | 24 | 31.2 % |
| 1-2 games | 20 | 26 % |
| 3-4 games | 20 | 26 % |
| 5+ games | 13 | 16.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
