What Happened
New Jersey Devils forward Anthony Mantha was assessed a five-minute major penalty for boarding Ottawa Senators defenceman Nikolas Matinpalo during Monday's game. The hit came with just under 10 minutes left in the first period at the New Jersey blue line, where Mantha chased Matinpalo and a loose puck toward the boards and pushed him from behind. Matinpalo stayed down, then left the ice and went down the tunnel. A scrum followed, and the Devils killed off the major penalty.
Key Details
- Mantha received a five-minute major for boarding.
- The penalty came with just under 10 minutes left in the first period.
- Matinpalo left the game injured after the hit.
- A scrum involving both teams followed the play.
- The Devils killed off the five-minute penalty.
- Mantha is in his first season with New Jersey on a two-year deal.
What It Means
The major penalty gave Ottawa a five-minute power play, but New Jersey's penalty kill kept the Senators off the scoreboard during that stretch. Matinpalo's exit left Ottawa short on defence, and his status going forward was not immediately known. For Mantha, the play added a disciplinary note to a quiet start with his new team.
What's Next
The Senators are expected to provide an update on Matinpalo's condition. The NHL department of player safety could review the major penalty for possible supplemental discipline, though no hearing had been announced.