It is called "the greatest tradition in sports." After any hard-fought hockey series in the NHL playoffs, both teams join together in the middle of ice rink to shake hands and show respect. After the Buffalo Sabres eliminated the Boston Bruins, this did occur.
It was after a brutal series, and cheap shot from Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy looks like it will lead to disciplinary action taken against him by the NHL. This was in the third period of the deciding Game 6.
With the Sabres up 4-1, McAvoy was tripped by Buffalo's Zach Benson. McAvoy then proceeded to use his hockey stick as a weapon to slash the Sabres winger with it.
It was a moment that resulted in immediate ejection for McAvoy. Now more may be coming.
He has been offered an in-person hearing by the NHL to determine what action will be taken against McAvoy, which leaves the door open to a potential suspension. The date for hearing was not immediately set.
It will be very interesting to see how many games and/or how much money will be taken from him. No one can argue that something has to happen.
Bruins' Charlie McAvoy could miss start of 2026-27 season for his actions in Game 6 vs. Sabres
The Sabres fandom will be focused right now on the Montreal Canadiens for the second round of the playoffs. But they will be interested about what will happen to McAvoy.
The NHL will need to make sure that kind of action does not repeat itself. It now showcases that the rivalry between the Sabres and Bruins has been reignited. The physicality of the series should be a big part of next season when the teams play each other.
If they play the Bruins during a possible suspension of McAvoy, it may help the Sabres in that particular game. It will be more intriguing as to what happens when McAvoy and the Bruins return to KeyBank Center.
The Sabres fans are known as passionate and do not let go of grudges or perceived slights against their Western New York franchise. Just ask Jack Eichel.
For the Sabres and the NHL, cleaning up this kind of play will be important for the safety of players. How many games it will cost McAvoy has yet to be determined. Regardless, expect Sabres fans to show their displeasure of him next time he visits Buffalo.
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