The New York Islanders lost their opening game of the season. 4-3 to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night in front of 16,107 fans at PPG Paints Arena. The went was tied at the end of the first two periods, but the Islanders couldn’t match a goal made by Pittsburgh forward Justin Brazeau with 14:21 remaining in the third period.
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Tensions were high in the third period after a viral moment between Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin. The veteran was called for cross-checking Penguins forward Connor Dewar with 19:45 remaining in the third period. Drouin was called for game misconduct and given a five-minute major penalty.
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Per the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, the league suspended Drouin for one game without pay. He will forfeit $20,833.33 to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Via the NHL’s website:
“New York Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin has been suspended for one game, without pay, for cross-checking Pittsburgh Penguins forward Connor Dewar during NHL Game No. 13 in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Oct. 10, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today…
“Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Drouin will forfeit $20,833.33. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.”
Per the voiceover of the league’s explanation for the ruling, the league determined Drouin raised his stick with both of his hands to deliver a “forceful blow” to Dewar’s head with the stick.
Here’s a video of the play, per a post by B/R Open Ice.
Drouin scored the Islander’s first goal of the season via a snap shot in the first period. Matthew Schaefer got the assist.
Drouin is a newcomer on the Islanders, signing a two-year deal worth $8 million in July. New York is next set to play the 0-1-0 Washington Capitals at UBS Arena on Saturday night.
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