Charlie McAvoy ejected for violent slash as Buffalo Sabres eliminate Bruins
Boston Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy was ejected for a violent slash on Zach Benson as his team were eliminated from the NHL play-offs following a 4-1 Game 6 defeat by the Buffalo Sabres.
The incident occurred with just 91 seconds remaining in a frustrating contest that ultimately ended Boston’s postseason campaign.
With the net empty for an extra skater, the American blueliner was sent crashing into the end boards after appearing to be tripped by Benson’s left leg during an icing call.
The 26-year-old immediately rose to his feet, skated through his team-mates and delivered a forceful two-handed chop across his opponent’s torso.
‘Raw emotion went a little too far’
Match officials assessed a five-minute major penalty for slashing against the Bruins star, triggering an automatic game misconduct.
Benson was also penalised on the play, receiving a two-minute minor for tripping.
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff acknowledged the retaliatory nature of the incident while praising his opponent’s competitive spirit.
“I’m just going to say it was raw emotion. Charlie’s a hell of a player, cares about winning, and anybody would want him on their team. He probably went a little too far, though.”
The veteran manager added that he believed the Boston talisman felt his feet had been deliberately taken out from underneath him on the initial challenge.
Nightmare series ends in disappointment
Following the final horn, the ejected defenceman claimed he was the victim of a dangerous slew foot prior to his retaliation.
When asked about the prospect of supplemental discipline from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, the frustrated player offered a blunt assessment.
“I won’t play another game until September, so I can’t imagine it really matters much.”
The disciplinary flashpoint capped a miserable first-round series for the usually reliable defender, who finished with a minus-six rating and just two assists across six appearances.
His struggles were highlighted earlier in the decisive third period when he was beaten to a loose puck by Josh Doan, who subsequently set up the critical third Buffalo goal.
Sabres end long wait for progression
Buffalo’s impressive triumph secures their progression to the second round of the Stanley Cup play-offs for the first time since 2007.
Ruff’s revitalised squad will now face the winner of the tightly contested series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Those two sides are scheduled to play a winner-takes-all Game 7 showdown on Sunday.