1:18 PM: The NHL’s Department of Player Safety didn’t take long to deliberate. They’ve announced a one-game suspension for Meier for his cross-check on L’Heureux last night.
9:29 AM: The National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety has announced that New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier will have a hearing for his cross-check to the face of Nashville Predators forward Zachary L’Heureux. Meier will face supplemental discipline for an incident that occurred at the 12:17 mark of the third period of last night’s game. The penalty forced New Jersey to kill off a five-minute major while the team held a two-goal lead. The Devils went on to win the game by a score of 5-2.
Despite winning the game, the Devils were pushed around for much of the night. Before the Meier cross-checks, L’Heureux caught Devils forward Paul Cotter with a hip check that sent him to the New Jersey bench in obvious discomfort. L’Heureux and Meier then engaged in a battle after the whistle where L’Heureux gave Meier a shot in the back and then Meier hit him back with two cross-checks, the second of which caught the 21-year-old L’Heureux up high.
Meier has never missed any NHL games due to a suspension in his eight-year NHL career but has had to pay out some fines. During his rookie season in 2017-18, he was fined for elbowing then Vancouver Canucks defenseman Michael Del Zotto, then in 2019 he was given a $2000 fine for a second offense of Rule 64, which concerns diving and embellishment.
Meier’s hearing will take place today, and although the NHL hasn’t formally announced whether it will be a phone or in-person hearing, the tight timeline indicates that it will be a phone hearing.
“Despite winning the game, the Devils were pushed around for much of the night.”
The hell we were, did you even watch the game?
“Devils are soft” is a narrative that will be tough to shake, even if unfair in some spots.
Devils already shook that “narrative” off in the offseason when we brought in guys like DIllon, Cotter and Kovasevic. This isnt the same team it was last year or even the last few years. We are a team that will punch you in the mouth both literally and on the scoreboard
You cant shake that narrative without stepping on the ice.
We did…then we stepped on the ice and proved it. Thats the Jersey way
If you say so lol.
Boooo wasn’t even that bad and that goon L’Heureux started it. Least his face got rearranged and Timo stood up for himself and his team. Agree with above, Devils are checking, fighting and generally physical this season and I love it. Watch some games and check the stats.
The Preds 5min PP after the penalty on Meier should be given a one game suspension. 1 SOG even at 6 on 4. Yikes.