Stars defenseman Jason Demers was forced to hit the showers early after his hit on Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck in the second period of Sunday’s game.
Demers was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding.
Here’s how NHL.com describes a boarding penalty:
“A boarding penalty shall be imposed on any player who checks or pushes a defenseless opponent in such a manner that causes the opponent to hit or impact the boards violently or dangerously. The severity of the penalty, based upon the impact with the boards, shall be at the discretion of the Referee.”
Game Misconduct Penalty - “When a major penalty is imposed under this rule for a foul resulting in an injury to the face or head of an opponent, a game misconduct shall be imposed.”
It’s clear that Clutterbuck’s head ended up being the principle point of contact on the play.
The Islanders forward left the game, but did eventually return.
Update: Not only did Clutterbuck return, he also scored twice.
It’s been a rough weekend for Clutterbuck, who also left Saturday’s game (and did not return) because of an upper-body injury.
Demers was suspended for two games earlier this season after he elbowed Penguins forward Nick Bonino.