Boston Bruins forward Max Jones picked up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after inadvertently slashing linesman Devin Berg.
Jones was battling with Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues in from of the Bruins net. Rodrigues had his stick up high, resting on the Boston winger’s shoulder. Jones took offense and went to slash the stick, accidentally connecting with the left arm of linesman Devin Berg who had just skated in to separate the two players.
Referees T.J. Luxmore and Kelly Sutherland discussed the play, ultimately issuing a minor penalty to Jones for unsportsmanlike conduct.
While he did make contact with a official, it did not appear to be a deliberate act as would be required under the Physical Abuse of Officials rule:
Any player who deliberately applies physical force in any manner against an official, in any manner attempts to injure an official, physically demeans, or deliberately applies physical force to an official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an official during or immediately following an altercation shall receive a game misconduct penalty
As there was no physical abuse of officials penalty called in the game, the automatic suspension would also not triggered. Again, with this being accidental, it’s the right call.
