(NYC) Colorado Avalanche star defenseman Cale Makar has been suspended for one game for his gesture at the expense of Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced on Tuesday. .
The incident happened during the first period of Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round Series, which was won 3-2 in overtime by the Kraken. Makar simply rushed at McCann, who did not have possession of the puck, before shoving him hard against the ramp.
McCann lay on the ice for a few minutes before being escorted off the ice surface by his teammates and team therapists to the locker room. He did not return to play at the start of the second period.
Makar was initially given a five-minute major penalty, but this was reduced by the referees. He instead served a minor obstruction penalty at McCann’s expense.
The series is tied 2-2, with Game 5 taking place Wednesday night. The Avalanche are the defending Stanley Cup champions.
