Senators’ Hayden Hodgson ejected after delivering massive hit

Oct 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Hayden Hodgson (42) controls the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Senators’ Hayden Hodgson ejected after delivering massive hit

Originally posted on SenShot | By Spencer Lazary | Last updated Oct 30, 2026 12:02 AM ET

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The Ottawa Senators just simply don't have it against the Los Angeles Kings, and it's showing with the penalties that they are taking. None were bigger than the five-minute major that Senators forward Hayden Hodgson was assessed after he delivered a huge hit on Kings defender Brandt Clarke.

Hodgson's night was over after the hit, where he was given a major penalty for boarding, and honestly, if it wasn't boarding, it should have been charging. It's just a penalty that you can't take even if it was an attempt to spark your club. It was reckless and put the Senators down to just 10 forwards after also losing Andre Burakovsky to injury in the first period.

Hodgson could face suspension for hit on Clarke

As mentioned, in an attempt to spark his group, Hodgson went in hard on Clarke and made sure to finish his check. Unfortunately, when he did finish that check, his forearm drove Clarke's head into the board, and that was the biggest concern. It's also worth noting that he took numerous strides prior to the hit, generating enough speed to be clocked at 30 MPH just before he landed his hit.

Senators forward Hayden Hodgson is issued a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding Kings defender Brandt Clarke. #GoSensGo #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/2mDdjvaqgo
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) October 30, 2026

Given the game misconduct and the dangerous nature of the hit, it is extremely likely that he will face a suspension. It would be very surprising if he didn't get at least a game or two, just based on how dangerous the hit was and the fact that he sped up ahead of the hit.

Sadly, for the Senators, this hit-and-game misconduct effectively ended the game for Ottawa. They were already down to 11 forwards prior to the call, and now they are tasked with battling back from a 5-1 deficit and doing it with just 10 players up front. Who all looked extremely out of sync even when they had 13 forwards.

It's been a tough game for the organization and fan base, and if things don't change, it'll be the first time this season that the Senators have lost back-to-back games.

This article first appeared on SenShot and was syndicated with permission.

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