After reviewing the hit and affirming their initial call, referees Pierre Lambert and Peter MacDougall ended the game and gave Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak a major penalty and game misconduct for boarding New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren.
Montgomery stated, “I don’t think he hits him anywhere near his numbers,” according to Boston.com. “I believe he strikes him in the front of the shoulder, and regrettably, I’m not sure who did it, but he was hurt.” Thus, the call is impacted if there is blood.
“However, when I contrast that hit with hits I’ve witnessed, such as the time Marchand was struck from behind by Sharks player Givani Smith and launched headlong into the boards? That seems like a five-minute major to me,” Montgomery continued. “Well, I’m relieved that I’m not a referee. I’d prefer not to place those calls.
Undoubtedly, the hit is being assessed by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for potential additional discipline. Pastrnak was previously suspended for two games due to an unauthorized hit to Dan Girardi’s head, another defenceman for the New York Rangers.
