The NHL's Department of Player Safety suspended Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson for his altercation with Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins in Sunday's 5-2 loss.
Columbus Erik Gudbranson has been suspended for one game under rule 46.2 (Aggressor) for an altercation with Floridas Nick Cousins. https://t.co/PXxg79dsZs
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 12, 2023
Just 24 seconds into the third period of Sunday's contest, Cousins received what was originally a five-minute major for boarding Gudbranson behind the net. The penalty was reviewed and subsequently reduced to a two-minute minor.
Heres the hit by Nick Cousins on Erik Gudbranson that was originally ruled a major but then reduced to a minor penalty. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/ruy8CUsYOS
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) December 10, 2023
At 6:46 of the third period, Gudbranson took Cousins down and started punching him repeatedly. For those actions, he received a five-minute major for fighting, a two-minute instigator minor, a 10-minute misconduct, and a game misconduct, totaling 27 PIMs.
Heres Erik Gudbranson pulling Nick Cousins down and punching him repeatedly after Cousins boarded him from behind earlier in the period. Gudbranson received 27 PIMs for this. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/OdvNq5XAwI
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) December 10, 2023
Gudbranson will forfeit a game check of $20,833.33 and miss the Blue Jackets' contest in Toronto against the Maple Leafs on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET on Bally Sports Ohio.
