New York Rangers defenseman K’Andre Miller will have a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety after being assessed a match penalty for spitting on Drew Doughty during Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings.
The incident occurred at the 16:37 mark of the first period of the Rangers’ 5–2 win over the Kings.
Miller received 15 penalty minutes and was ejected from the game as a consequence of his actions. The Rangers only dressed five defensemen for the game due to trade deadline cap constraints; Miller’s ejection reduced that contingent down to four.
Historically, spitting incidents have resulted in match penalties and supplemental discipline. In 2019, then-Washington Capitals forward Garnet Hathaway was handed a three-game suspension after spitting on Erik Gudbranson during a game against the Anaheim Ducks.
Miller posted a statement to Twitter on Monday morning:
The Rangers originally selected Miller in the first round (No. 22 overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound defenseman made his NHL debut with the Rangers during the 2020–21 season.
Miller emerged as a regular on Broadway in 2021–22, appearing in all 102 of the Rangers’ games spread over the regular season and playoffs. He’s taken another step forward in 2022–23, collecting six goals and 30 points while averaging 21:56 in 60 games.
The Rangers will return to action on March 1 when they visit the Philadelphia Flyers. It remains to be seen whether Miller will be available for that game.
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