Timo Meier has been suspended one match for a cross-checking incident

The incident stemmed from a physical exchange between the two players after L’Heureux hip-checked the Devils forward Paul Cotter. Meier felt he had to defend his player and retaliated with two cross-checks, the second hitting L’Heureux in the face. Meier was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the goal. L’Herueux did not return to the match.

It was the second cross-check that was the reason for the suspension. The NHL DoPS said it was important to note that Meier is in control of the game the entire time. This was not a back and forth exchange and Meier may have hit the player unintentionally, but it was his responsibility not to injure the player.

Meier has been suspended for the first time in the NHL

This marks the first suspension of Meier’s eight-year NHL career. That said, Meier has faced disciplinary action before, including fines for elbowing in 2017 and beautification in 2019. That he was never suspended likely played a role in the decision.

The hearing took place by telephone and a decision was made fairly quickly.