Report: Matt Niskanen will not be suspended for check on Sidney Crosby

Watch as Matt Niskanen five minute major penalty for cross checking Sidney Crosby in the face.

It looks as though Matt Niskanen will be back in the Capitals’ lineup for Game 4 against Pittsburgh.

According to various reports, the NHL will not follow up with supplemental discipline on Niskanen for Monday night’s check on Crosby. As the Penguins centre was crossing the crease and falling to the ice, Niskanen hit him in the face with his hands/stick.

Niskanen received a five-minute major and a game misconduct on the play, while Crosby was helped off the ice and did not return. No update has been given on Crosby’s status.

There’s some question as to whether Niskanen intentionally checked Crosby in the head on the play. The Sportsnet panel discussed intent on Monday’s broadcast.

After the game, Niskanen spoke to the media and denied that he intended to connect with Crosby’s head and injure the Pens superstar.

Prior to Niskanen’s check, Alex Ovechkin slashed Crosby on the side and as his stick rode up, it connected with Crosby’s head. That one would appear to be incidental, although some are calling on the league to review that play for discipline.

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