Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk was ejected from Saturday’s game for spearing Max Pacioretty of the Washington Capitals.
Late in the first period of a scoreless game, Grzelcyk took a hit from Pacioretty behind the Boston net. As the two players headed up ice, Grzelcyk decided to respond with a bit of stickwork, spearing Pacioretty between the legs.
The Caps winger fell to the ice, the whistle blowing for an injured player once his team had possession of the puck.
Refs Steve Kozari and Trevor Hanson discussed the play with veteran linesman David Brisebois. Under Rule 32.4, linesmen are permitted to report major penalties to the refs, who can then confirm the call on the ice via video review.
Linesperson shall give to the Referees his interpretation of any incident that may have taken place during the game. The Linesperson must report upon completion of play, any circumstances pertaining to … major penalties
Spearing clearly falls under this category. Per Rule 62:
Spearing shall mean stabbing an opponent with the point of the stick blade, whether contact is made or not.
A double-minor penalty will be imposed on a player who spears an opponent and does not make contact.
A major penalty shall be imposed on a player who spears an opponent. Whenever a major penalty is assessed for spearing, a game misconduct penalty must also be imposed.
A match penalty shall be imposed on a player who injures an opponent as a result of a spear.
Kozari and Hanson confirmed the call after review. Grzelcyk was gone for the game.
The Washington Capitals defeated the Boston Bruins by a score of 3-0. Officials for the game were referees Steve Kozari (#40) and Trevor Hanson (#14), with Julien Fournier (#56) and David Brisebois (#96) on lines.
