Both offender and victim were able to skate away unharmed after a scary check to the head between the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders on Thursday.
Marcus Johansson penalized for illegal check to Thomas Hickey’s head
Could another Capitals player face suspension?
James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Islanders forward Thomas Hickey was at center ice in the first period when he decided to dump the puck into the offensive zone because he saw Capitals forward Marcus Johansson closing on him fast. Johansson decided to finish his check anyways, but the point of contact ended up higher than he probably intended.
Johansson was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for an illegal check to the head, which is probably less than many referees would’ve given a player in that situation. Hickey looked shaken up and left for the Islanders dressing room for inspection but returned a minute later, apparently no worse for wear.
Both players are probably lucky the collision didn't incur more harm. Earlier this week, the NHL Department of Player safety suspended Capitals forward Zach Sill for two games after he boarded Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid.
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