Buchnevich suspended one game for high-sticking Mantha

Pavel Buchnevich #89 of the New York Rangers takes a high-sticking penalty on Anthony Mantha #39 of the Washington Capitals during the second period at Madison Square Garden. POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers' Pavel Buchnevich suspended one game for high-sticking Capitals' Anthony Mantha

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/6/21

Sparks flew at the start of Wednesday's showdown between the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals as a direct result of the NHL Department of Player Safety fining but not suspending Washington forward Tom Wilson after Wilson punched a defenseless Pavel Buchnevich and slammed Artemi Panarin to the ice during Monday's matchup between the two clubs.

Buchnevich received some revenge when he delivered a high and hard shot to the face of Capitals forward Anthony Mantha in the second period of Wednesday's contest.

Suspension coming for Buchnevich as he is assessed a major penalty and misconduct for cross-checking Mantha directly in the face. Disgusting pic.twitter.com/Rwphc5QUnu
— NHL Safety Watch (@NHLSafetyWatch) May 6, 2021

Regardless of anybody's opinion of the NHL's handling of Wilson, Buchnevich's crime would not go unpunished. The Department of Player Safety announced Thursday afternoon that he's been suspended one game and docked $28,017.24. Buchnevich's cash goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Earlier in the day, the NHL fined the Rangers $250,000 for their controversial statement that named and criticized NHL Head of Player Safety George Parros on Tuesday.

The Rangers are eliminated from the playoffs and finish the season with back-to-back games against the Boston Bruins, so fans will have to wait until the fall to see the Rangers and Capitals face off again.

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