Matt Carkner Suspended 1 Game For Sucker Punch Vs. Rangers

Carkner threw two punches to Boyle’s jaw, the second dropping him to the ice, and then continued to wail on Boyle after he fell. The altercation was retribution for aggression by the Rangers in Game 1 of the best-of-seven series, but Shanahan noted that that alone was not enough to justify Carkner’s actions.

“While we understand any player’s desire to protect a teammate, and have seen some examples in these playoffs in which a player has done that,” Shanahan said, “Carkner is excessive in his approach.” He also cited a previous incident in which Carkner was fined for a previous act of aggression that caused an injury in a factor in the NHL Department of Player Safety’s decision.

Just 2:15 into the game, Carkner made a bee line across the ice to Boyle. He delivered a check, the two exchanged a few words, and then Carkner dropped his glove and sucker-punched Boyle in the face. A melee ensued, and there were casualties.

Carkner, meanwhile, was given two minutes for roughing, a five-minute major for fighting and a game misconduct, likely for sucker punching a guy in the face.