This one is bound to ruffle some feathers. The NHL's Department of Player Safety has announced that
Pavel Buchnevich of the New York Rangers will have a hearing Thursday for high-sticking Washington's
Anthony Mantha in the face during Wednesday night's game between the two teams. In-person hearings, which are taking place via Zoom calls this season, means a suspension is the likely outcome.
This is, of course, the ultimate irony for fans of the New York Rangers after the Caps'
Tom Wilson created a circus in the previous game by punching Buchnevich in the back of the head while he was lying face-down on the ice. Wilson received a $5000 fine for it, which does not require a hearing with DoPS, with many arguing he should have been suspended given his prior history. That led to the Rangers releasing a statement saying George Parros, the head of DoPS, was "unfit" for his position. It all culminated Wednesday night in one of roughest first periods of hockey in NHL history with six fights and 100 combined penalty minutes.
Buchnevich was given a five minute major for high-sticking last night and a game misconduct. Many are saying this was a punch and the stick wasn't involved. Given the hearing, it's pretty clear Player Safety does not agree.
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