The Department of Player Safety has some more work to do. The league has announced that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Jacob MacDonald will have a hearing today for an illegal check to the head of Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman.
The incident occurred late in the first period last night when the Avalanche were already down 2-0. As Hartman stopped and waited to deliver a pass in the Avalanche zone, MacDonald made a direct line for him with no real concern for the puck. Just as the puck left Hartman’s stick, MacDonald delivered a hard check from his blind side.
MacDonald was not assessed a penalty on the play, but appears to be facing a suspension today. The 28-year-old defenseman is finally receiving an opportunity at the NHL level after grinding his way up from the ECHL. In 27 games this season he has seven points.