With the league intensifying its crackdown on dangerous hits, Boston Bruins forward Oliver Wahlstrom became the latest player ejected for a risky play against Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary.
While physicality, including hits and fights, has long been a part of ice hockey, safety concerns are growing, prompting stricter league responses.
One notable example of this was when New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe, a repeat offender, received an eight-game suspension and lost $80,000 in salary after a dangerous hit on Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen.
Now, Wahlstrom, a 24-year-old forward aiming to establish himself with the Bruins, has joined the list of players ejected for dangerous hits near the boards.
During Boston’s home game against Washington on Monday, Wahlstrom attempted to reach around Fehervary to control the puck. When that failed, he shoved Fehervary forward, sending him awkwardly into the boards, with Fehervary’s upper body leading the collision.
The officials assessed Wahlstrom a major penalty and a game misconduct for the shove, ejecting him just 10 seconds into the third period.
Wahlstrom, who was recently claimed by the Bruins off waivers from the New York Islanders, had yet to register a goal or assist in his three games with Boston. Though the Bruins won 4-1, Wahlstrom’s absence from the ice made it difficult for him to contribute.
Whether or not further discipline follows, hopefully, Wahlstrom has learned the importance of avoiding such dangerous plays in the future.
