Did hit on Buffalo Sabres defenseman warrant suspension?

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin took a cross-check from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews late in the third period of the Heritage Classic. 

Rasmus Dahlin took the hit in stride and did not suffer an injury in the waning moments of the Heritage Classic between the Buffalo Sabres and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Officials charged Matthews with a two-minute minor for the cross-check, but the NHL’s Department of Health and Safety took an extended look at the replay.

Upon further review, the league banned Matthews for two games, forcing him to give up over $116,000 in game checks. The forfeited money will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Was Matthews’ hit on the Buffalo Sabres defenseman worth a two-game suspension?

Matthews’ cross-check came in response one from Dahlin in the crease seconds prior. Dahlin and Matthews battled for position in front of goaltender Craig Anderson. When Dahlin knocked Matthews to the ice, the Leafs star forward retaliated and struck Dahlin in the head and neck area with his stick, warranting a suspension.

The movement was not a natural one, which the NHL used to justify Matthews’ suspension. While officials also penalized Dahlin for the same penalty, he did not strike nor attempt to strike Matthews in the head and neck area.

The retaliatory act was worth a two-game suspension since it puts another player at risk for serious injury. While neither Matthews nor Dahlin had any ill-feelings toward one another, Matthews still deserves the suspension.

However, since this is Matthews’ first offense, it’s premature to believe the NHL should impose further discipline. In fact, Matthews has been a finalist for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy twice. The trophy goes to the player who displayed the highest amount of sportsmanship throughout the season, so by no means is Matthews a dirty player.

While the movement is worthy of a suspension, it’s also worth listening to the other side of the debate. Matthews did not look as though he were trying to intentionally hurt Dahlin, nor did Dahlin take it personally.

"“It’s hockey,….Things happen out there. It’s intense. I’m fine.”"

In case you missed it, check out the hit of the video below and make your own judgment.

While the incident adds more flare to the Sabres-Leafs rivalry, don’t expect it to be on anyone’s mind when the two teams meet again on April 12th. Had Matthews injured Dahlin, then it’s a different story. But right now, it’s water under the bridge.