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Jets Defenseman Facing Suspension After Brutal Hit Against Penguins

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Penguins on SI
By Nick Horwat | Last updated Feb 7, 2024 11:47 AM ET

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins lost center Noel Acciari in the second period against the Winnipeg Jets, thanks to an illegal check to the head from Brenden Dillon. The hit rattled Acciari, and Dillon was assessed a match penalty for his actions.

While Dillon was tossed from the game, the Penguins refrained from making any significant comments while waiting for the league to look at the situation. The NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Dillon will have a hearing for his hit on Acciari.

Winnipeg’s Brenden Dillon will have a hearing today for an illegal check to the head on Pittsburgh’s Noel Acciari.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) February 7, 2024

The hearing will be held over the phone, which means Dillon can only be suspended for a maximum of five games.

Over the years, NHL Player Safety has built a reputation for fumbling their decisions on punishment. Dillon’s hit was egregious and dirty but didn’t quite warrant anything more than five games.

Following the hit, Acciari did not return to the contest and needed help off the ice and to the locker room. The Penguins have yet to make an announcement on Acciari’s condition, but he did not require any hospitalization.

Dillon has a history of questionable hits in the NHL but has only received one suspension in his career. That suspension occurred in 2017 as a member of the San Jose Sharks.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Penguins on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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