Colin McDonald was given a two-game suspension for his hit on Pittsburgh Penguins' defenseman Ben Lovejoy in Tuesday night's game. McDonald met with the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety Wednesday to learn his fate.
With the new terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, McDonald will have to forfeit $7,567.56. This is based on his average annual salary. The money will then go into the Player's Emergency Assistance Fund.
The hit occurred in the second period when McDonald hit Lovejoy from behind and sent his head crashing into the glass. At the time, McDonald was given a five-minute boarding major and game misconduct and was told he would have to meet with the Department of Player Safety to be given a stronger penalty.
The New York Islanders face a strong division opponent in their upcoming two games. They face the New Jersey Devils on the road Thursday and then face them again at home on Sunday, February 3. The Islanders have been off to a strong start this season and will certainly miss McDonald's presence as they hope to jump New Jersey for first in the Atlantic Division.
McDonald's force used on Lovejoy and the length of time he was able to see Lovejoy's number were all factors in determining his length of suspension. The league believed he had the ability to minimize contact or avoid it all together.
