Islanders’ Jonathan Drouin suspended one game for cross-check

The 30-year-old forward has been suspended one game for cross-checking Penguins’ Connor Dewar on Thursday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced on Friday.

During a net-side scrum with 14 seconds left in the game, Drouin delivered a cross-check that hit Dewar in the head. He was assessed a major penalty and a game misconduct on the play.

Earlier in the game, Drouin scored his first goal as an Islander off a slick feed from rookie Matthew Schaefer.

The DoPS cited that there is “no hockey purpose” for the blow, and despite Drouin’s assertion that it was unintentional, “players are responsible for their sticks at all times.”

This is Drouin’s first career suspension in the league. He will miss the Islanders†home opener Saturday night against Washington. He’ll forfeit $20,833 in salary, with the money going to the Players†Emergency Assistance Fund.

Over 12 NHL seasons, Drouin has been fined just once for cross-checking in 608 games. He’s totalled 108 goals and 267 assists between the Islanders, Avalanche, Canadiens and Lightning.

The Winger signed in Long Island on a two-year, $8-million deal in the off-season.

–with files from the Associated Press

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