Matthew Poitras left bloodied after Braeden Bowman elbow as NHL suspension questions emerge
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Braeden Bowman was ejected for an elbow that bloodied Matthew Poitras, and NHL Player Safety could step in. Here's what we know so far.
Matthew Poitras went down the tunnel for repairs Monday night in Boston, and now the big question is whether Braeden Bowman will be suspended.
It happened 2:49 into the second period at TD Garden.
Poitras was carrying the puck up the right wing boards in front of the benches when Bowman caught him high with an elbow.
Poitras dropped, blood came fast, and play was stopped.
After a review, officials stuck with a five-minute major for elbowing and added a game misconduct.
It was the first ejection of Bowman's career.
Boston made Vegas pay quickly.
Morgan Geekie scored on the power play at 3:23 to make it 2-0.
What happened to Poitras after the hit
Poitras did return to the bench wearing a full face shield with gauze up his nose, but he never took another shift.
Bruins coach Marco Sturm had no update after the game.
The 22-year-old has four goals and three assists in 11 games this season, so Boston will be watching his status closely.
Could Bowman face a suspension?
The NHL Department of Player Safety hasn't announced anything on Bowman yet.
A major and game misconduct for elbowing can draw a second look from the league, which can hand out a fine or a suspension.
Blood and contact to the face usually get plenty of attention.
Not everyone sees it the same way, though.
Some viewers felt Bowman led with his hip and Poitras ducked into the contact.
That debate will likely play a role in how the league views it.
Bowman is 23 and has three goals and three assists in 15 games.
Boston blew a two-goal lead but won 3-2 in a shootout to improve to 11-4-1.
Now it comes down to what the league decides and how Poitras feels.
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