[UPDATE: Watson has been suspended two games.]
Ottawa Senators forward Austin Watson is facing a possible suspension for a late, high hit on Boston Bruins defenseman Jack Ahcan during their game on Saturday afternoon.
The hit happened midway through the first period and resulted in a two-minute minor penalty for interference.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced on Saturday evening that Watson will have a disciplinary hearing on Sunday for the hit.
You can see the play here.
Austin Watson with a late, high hit on Jack Ahcan.
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) February 12, 2022
Two minutes for interference. pic.twitter.com/oqAgDnLQHH
There is really not much gray area here with this one. Watson not only hits Ahcan long after the latter had given up possession of the puck, but he also hit him up high toward the head and neck area. That is textbook interference. Ahcan was able to finish the game.
The Bruins were 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Trent Frederic and Curtis Lazar, as well as a 30-save shutout from starting goalie Jeremy Swayman, his second shutout of the season.
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Adam Gretz is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @AGretz.