Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann was suspended for one game following a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Tuesday.
McMann received a match penalty for high-sticking during a break in play early in the third period of Toronto’s 2-0 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning Monday. His action came in response to a cross-check from Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand.
Video of the incident showed McMann lifting his stick high in the air to bring it out of the path of an approaching referee. He then bring it down with some force and made contact with Bjorkstrand’s head.
“It is important to note that this is not the typical motion of a player merely bringing a raised stick down to the ice and accidentally making contact with an opponent,” a Department of Player Safety official said in an explanation video. “This is also not a situation where a player simply loses control of his stick, or where an off-balance player is careless in an attempt to steady himself.
“McMann is in full control of both his stick and his own body at all times during this play and simply must display more control to ensure his stick does not directly strike his opponent’s head in this situation.”
McMann will be forced to sit out Thursday’s home game against the San Jose Sharks. Then he will be eligible to return Saturday for a home date with the Edmonton Oilers.
McMann, 29, has 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 29 games this season.
He has totaled 73 points (43 goals, 30 assists) and a plus-24 rating in 169 career games with the Maple Leafs.
–Field Level Media
