GIF: Erik Johnson assessed match penalty for cross-checking Mathieu Perreault in the face

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson was assessed a match penalty for cross checking Anaheim Ducks forward Mathieu Perreault in the face during a battle for the puck along the boards Friday night:

[Courtesy Altitude Sports]

As per the NHL rulebook, "a match penalty involves the suspension of a player for the balance of the game and the offender shall be ordered to the dressing room immediately. In addition to the match penalty, the player shall be automatically suspended from further competition until the Commissioner has ruled on the issue."

Johnson was suspended for two games earlier in March for a slashing incident, and is likely to be hearing from the NHL Department of Player Safety again after this incident.