Washington Capitals forward prospect Andrew Cristall faces potential supplemental discipline from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety following a high cross-check during a preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers in Hershey, according to reports from RMNB. The incident occurred with 7:07 remaining in the second period when Cristall targeted Flyers defenseman Hunter McDonald in the face after McDonald delivered a hard hit into the boards on Capitals teammate Ryan Leonard.
The Hit, the Retaliation, and the Ejection
The sequence began when Flyers prospect Hunter McDonald cleaned Ryan Leonard out hard into the boards during the preseason matchup, as detailed by RMNB. Andrew Cristall immediately skated over from the offensive zone and delivered a cross-check directly to McDonald’s face, sparking a sudden on-ice melee. According to game officials, Cristall received a five-minute major penalty for cross-checking alongside a 10-minute game misconduct, which brought an early end to his preseason debut.
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While McDonald was shaken up on the play and slow to recover, he ultimately stayed in the game and avoided serious injury, according to RMNB. Ryan Leonard also emerged unharmed from the initial boards collision. Earlier in the same contest, Leonard had scored by sniping a shot past Flyers goaltender Joseph Woll with just 42 seconds remaining in the first period to give the Capitals a 2-1 lead. Leonard recently signed an eight-year contract extension worth $10.5 million per season earlier in the month.
Did you know? Andrew Cristall was playing in his preseason debut, desperately fighting for one of the final available forward spots on the Washington Capitals’ Opening Night roster before the ejection cut his audition short.
Supplemental Discipline and League Scrutiny
The league maintains a strict stance on high sticks and cross-checks directed at the head area, and Cristall’s actions fit squarely into that category of offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Andrew Cristall ejected from the game?
Cristall received a five-minute major penalty and a 10-minute game misconduct for cross-checking Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Hunter McDonald in the face.
Did Hunter McDonald or Ryan Leonard suffer injuries on the plays?
No. According to RMNB, although both McDonald and Leonard were shaken up during the sequence of hits, neither player sustained an injury that forced them to leave the game.
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Is Andrew Cristall facing suspension from the NHL?
Yes.
What are your thoughts on Cristall’s retaliation to protect his teammate? Drop a comment below and join the discussion, and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on the Capitals roster battles.
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