What Happened
Ottawa Senators forward Hayden Hodgson was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct resulting in an early departure during Thursday's matchup against the Los Angeles Kings. The disciplinary action stemmed from a high-speed hit into the boards against Kings defenceman Brandt Clarke near the end-boards behind the Los Angeles goal in the middle frame. Clarke remained down on the ice momentarily before temporarily exiting the contest. The sequence left the Senators playing with just 10 forwards following an earlier departure by veteran teammate Andre Burakovsky, who left in the opening period because of a lower-body injury.
Key Details
- The incident occurred midway through the second period behind the Los Angeles net.
- Brandt Clarke briefly left the game after being slow to get up from the hit.
- Hayden Hodgson was playing in his fifth game of the season and 24th career NHL contest.
- Andre Burakovsky exited earlier in the first period with a lower-body injury.
What It Means
The sequence left Ottawa heavily short-handed up front with only 10 forwards available for the remainder of the contest. The physical play by Hodgson also raises the possibility of additional discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety given the severity of the boarding infraction.
What's Next
Hodgson awaits potential supplemental discipline from the league office following the major penalty and game misconduct.