Boston Bruins’ McAvoy to have Player Safety hearing for actions in Game 6

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy will have a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Tuesday for his actions in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

McAvoy received a minor penalty for an illegal check to the head on Blue Jackets forward Josh Anderson in the second period of Boston’s 3-0 win. Anderson was able to continue playing, but the hit drew the attention of the league’s player safety department.

McAvoy is facing supplemental discipline for an illegal check to the head, but the department retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review. The potential penalties for an illegal check to the head range from a one-game suspension to a multi-game suspension, depending on the severity of the offense.

The Bruins advanced to the Eastern Conference Final with their win over the Blue Jackets, and they will host the Carolina Hurricanes for the first two games of the series. If McAvoy is suspended, he would miss at least the first game of the series, and possibly more.

McAvoy is one of the Bruins’ most important players, and he is averaging over 25 minutes of ice time per game in the playoffs. He is also a key contributor on the Bruins’ power play. If McAvoy is suspended, it would be a major blow to the Bruins’ chances of winning the Eastern Conference Final.

Analysis

McAvoy’s hit on Anderson was a dangerous one, and it is likely that he will be suspended for at least one game. The Bruins will need to find a way to replace McAvoy in the lineup if he is suspended, and it will be a challenge to do so. The Hurricanes are a very good team, and the Bruins will need to be at their best to beat them in the Eastern Conference Final.

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