Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended for one game for high-sticking Canucks defenseman Kyle Burroughs, the NHL announced on Tuesday.
Washington’s Evgeny Kuznetsov has been suspended for one game for High-sticking Vancouver’s Kyle Burroughs. https://t.co/gzZyQma5Gn
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) October 18, 2022
Kuznetsov was shoved by Burroughs after the Capitals center drove towards the night and got a shot onto Thatcher Demko. Kuznetsov took exception to the push, swinging his stick and hitting Burroughs in the face.
"It is important to note that this is not a careless use of the stick," the NHL Department of Player Safety explained in its video. "Rather, this is an intentional stick swing towards an opponent that makes high contact. While we recognize Kuznetsov's assertion that he did not intend to hit Burroughs so high, players are accountable for their stick at all times.
What causes this play to rise to the level of supplemental discipline is the purposeful nature of the swing and the location of which it lands on the opponent.
He will miss the Capitals' next game, which is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 20 against the Senators. Kuznetsov can return for Washington's contest on Saturday, Oct. 22 when the team hosts the Kings.
It's the first suspension handed out by the league during the regular season. There were two suspensions given out during the preseason.
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It is the second time already during the 2022-23 campaign that Burroughs has been on the receiving end of an action that has resulted in discipline from the league. Last week, Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse was fined $5,000 for interference against Burroughs.
Why was Evgeny Kuznetsov suspended?
Kuznetsov was hit with a one game ban for high-sticking Burroughs.
During the Monday night contest between the Capitals and Canucks, Kuznetsov was driving toward the net with the puck. As he cut towards the crease, he was but by Burroughs, falling to the ice.
Burroughs gave Kuznetsov a light push while he was on the ground and Kuznetsov responded by swinging his stick at Burroughs.
Let's play "How many games?"
— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) October 18, 2022
Evgeny Kuznetsov whacks Kyle Burroughs in the face with his stick. #Canucks pic.twitter.com/RQ5CMLdFBG
The Capitals forward was given a minor penalty for high-sticking on the play.
Evgeny Kuznetsov suspension history
This is the first time in Kuznetsov's career that he has been suspended by the NHL.
Kuznetsov has previously been fined before. In fact, during the 2022 playoffs, he was assessed a $5,000 fine for high-sticking Noel Acciari during the first-round series against the Panthers.
