Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Erik Gudbranson has been suspended one game by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for an altercation with Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins on Sunday.
Gudbranson was ejected from Sunday’s game for instigating a fight with Cousins. The fight was Gudbranson’s retaliation for a hit from behind Cousins had laid on him earlier in the third period.
Cousins initially received a major penalty for boarding on the play, but after a review, it was downgraded to a minor.
“(Gudbranson) is a heart-and-soul kinda guy,” said Blue Jackets coach Pascal Vincent after the game. “He’s vulnerable, facing the boards. We believe it was a five-minute. If that call happens (as a major), that (next) thing doesn’t happen, including a game misconduct.”
Gudbranson, 31, was handed multiple penalties for the ensuing fight: A two-minute penalty for instigating, a five-minute major for fighting, a 10-minute misconduct for instigating and a 10-minute game misconduct.
He had also received a two-minute penalty for roughing immediately after Cousin’s hit.
“We didn’t like the way he was hit,” added Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly. “It got to a point where he wanted to stand up for himself and he got the first shot at the guy who did it. That’s kinda the way that went.”
Gudbranson declined to speak to reporters after the game.
Earlier on Monday evening, the department of player safety suspended Detroit Red Wings forward six games for cross-checking.