Buffalo Sabres forward Johan Larsson has been suspended two games for cross-checking Florida Panthers winger Vincent Trocheck.
The cross-check – which appeared to catch Trocheck in the face – came late in Thursday’s game, when the two teams met in Buffalo. Larsson was given a major and match penalty on the play by referees Kendrick Nicholson and Brad Meier.
From the NHL rulebook:
59.4 Match Penalty – The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a match penalty if, in his judgment, the player attempted to or deliberately injured his opponent by cross-checking.
59.5 Game Misconduct Penalty – When a major penalty is assessed for cross-checking, an automatic game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on the offending player.
Larsson will forfeit $15,860.22 in salary as a result of his suspension.
