Greer suspended 1-game for cross-check; Hoffman wanted longer ban

Boston Bruins forward A.J. Greer was suspended one game for cross-checking Montreal Canadiens forward Mike Hoffman, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Friday.

Greer was ejected after catching Hoffman in the face.

Hoffman initially exited the contest but later returned with additional facial protection. He posted an Instagram video Friday after learning of the suspension length while sporting a sizeable gash on his chin that required about 25 stitches.

Hoffman questioned the decision to only suspend Greer one contest for what he perceives is a worse offense than his 2016 cross-check on San Jose Sharks forward Logan Couture that earned him a two-game ban.

Hoffman further addressed the incident Saturday, saying Greer's cross-check was "one of the most dangerous, vicious things you can do in our game."

"They have their disciplinary charts that say, 'This is that.' This one, to me, doesn't make much sense," he added.

George Parros has been the head of the NHL Department of Player Safety since 2017. Stephane Quintal held that position when Hoffman was suspended in 2016.

This marks the first suspension of Greer's 99-game NHL career.