New Jersey Devils Forward suspended for cross-checking incident

New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier has been suspended for one game after a cross-checking incident against Nashville Predators rookie Zach L’Heureau. Meier was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct in the third period of the Devils’ win over the Predators.

The NHL Department of Player Safety ruled that Meier’s actions were intentional and that they will miss the Devils’ upcoming game against the St. Louis Blues.

Meier got a hearing with the Department of Player Safety, which opened the possibility of a suspension. The NHL decided that a one-game suspension was an appropriate punishment for the violation.

After a play was blown dead, Meier and L’Heureau briefly became tangled behind the net. Meier initially checked L’Heureau in the chest, but went for a second cross-check that hit L’Heureau in the face.

A struggle ensued between both teams and L’Heureau was forced to crawl away from the scuffle. L’Heureau was left bloodied after the incident and did not return to the match.

“This remains a high level of cross-checking,” the NHL said. “Delivered after the whistle has been blown, which makes direct contact with an opponent’s head with sufficient force to merit additional discipline.”

The Department of Player Safety noted that Meier has no history of suspension violations but has been fined before.

L’Heureau scored the second and final goal for the Predators in their 5-2 loss to the Devils.

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