Report: Pastrnak avoids suspension for boarding Lindgren
Boston Bruins superstar David Pastrnak won't be suspended for boarding New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren during the second period of Saturday's matchup, a source told The Athletic's Arthur Staple.
Pastrnak was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct on the play.
Five-minute major and a game misconduct to David Pastrnak for boarding Ryan Lindgren#NHLBruins | #NYR pic.twitter.com/c1uzJI3cZS
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) December 17, 2023
Lindgren left the ice bleeding but remained in the game.
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery didn't agree with the referees' assessment of the play.
"Very surprised. I thought it was two minutes," he said, per Ty Anderson of 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Pastrnak entered Saturday's action tied for third in league scoring with 41 points. The 27-year-old has been suspended once in his career, a two-game ban in 2016 for an illegal check to the head.
The Bruins and Rangers provided a controversial incident in their most recent meeting on Nov. 25, when New York captain Jacob Trouba caught Boston forward Trent Frederic with a high stick to the head. Trouba was fined for the play, and the pair renewed hostilities Saturday with a fight in the second period.
New York ended up winning 2-1 in overtime.