Montgomery reacts strongly to Pastrnak’s expulsion from the Bruins-Rangers originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Bruins lost their leading scorer, David Pastrnak, when the right wing ejected in the second period of Saturday night’s game against the New York Rangers at TD Garden.
Pastrnak received a game-misconduct penalty and a five-minute major penalty for sending Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren aboard.
Here’s a replay of the hit in question:
David Pastrnak received a five-minute penalty and a game-misconduct penalty for this hit against Ryan Lindgren.
Lindgren went to the Rangers’ locker room after the goal. pic.twitter.com/1PCDrKuWDs
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 17, 2023
The on-ice call was reviewed and confirmed. The Rangers didn’t score in that five-minute power play, but ultimately prevailed 2-1 in overtime to lead the Bruins atop the Eastern Conference with 43 points.
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery disagreed with the five-minute big judgment and game misconduct.
“Very surprised. I thought it was two minutes,” Montgomery said told reporters after the game. “I don’t think his numbers even come close to surpassing him. I think he hits him on the front of the shoulder. Unfortunately (Lindgren) was injured. So if there is blood, that will affect the call.
“If I compare that hit to hits I’ve seen, like when (Brad) Marchand got hit and was thrown headfirst into the boards from behind, I think that’s more of a five-minute for me -Major is. I guess I’m glad I’m not a referee. I wouldn’t like to make those calls.”
It will be interesting to see if the NHL imposes further disciplinary action on Pastrnak as a result of the hit.
The Bruins forward has only been suspended once in his career. It was a two-game suspension in 2016 for an illegal hit to the head of then-Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi.
Pastrnak’s 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists) in 29 games are the fourth-most points in the league.
