New York Islanders' right wing Colin McDonald is facing suspension after a hit he placed on Pittsburgh Penguins' Ben Lovejoy in Tuesday night's game. McDonald shoved the defenseless Lovejoy from behind which launched him head first into the glass. McDonald was assessed a five-minute boarding major and a game misconduct for the hit in the second period. For his actions, McDonald earns his first disciplinary hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety.
No word if this hit was just an example of gritty play or due to possible drama pending from McDonald's time in Pittsburgh last season. He played five games for the Penguins in the NHL and 66 games with the WB/S Penguins in the AHL before ultimately landing in New York.
Lovejoy was slow to get up after the hit and skated back to the team's bench to be checked on. He did not appear to be injured as he finished the game playing five shifts in the third period.
The Islanders handed the Penguins their third loss in four games. This is also their third straight win against the team, dating back to last season. The Islanders are 3-2-1 on the season so far. They scored four goals on the Penguins, a team expected to be in the hunt for the Stanley Cup at the end of the season. The game proved a great confidence boost for New York who hope to capitalize on the season's great start.
McDonald will sit down with the Department of Player Safety on Wednesday for a ruling and is expected to miss time due to the hit.
