In the second period of the recent game, David Pastrnak found himself ejected at 18:10, facing a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct. The hit on Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren sparked controversy as Pastrnak, while attempting a shoulder-to-shoulder contact, failed to ease up, leaving Lindgren defenseless.
Given recent concerns about hits from behind and questionable plays, the NHL Department of Player Safety reviewed the incident. Surprisingly, they opted not to impose any supplemental discipline, allowing Pastrnak to rejoin the Boston Bruins’ lineup against the Minnesota Wild.
Ironically, this incident mirrors Pastrnak’s sole suspension in the 2016-17 season, where he received a two-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of then-Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi. Both suspensions, if applicable, would have stemmed from hits on Rangers defensemen.
Following the game, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery expressed disbelief at Pastrnak’s ejection, suggesting a mere two-minute penalty would have sufficed. He defended the hit, emphasizing that it targeted the front of Lindgren’s shoulder. Montgomery referenced a previous hit-from-behind on Brad Marchand, highlighting the subjective nature of such calls and expressing relief at not having to make them as a referee.