Ottawa Senators winger Austin Watson received a five-minute major and game foul for charging New York Rangers Before Tyler Mottea former teammate, Thursday.
The incident happened during the first period of a game at Madison Square Garden. As Motte fought for the puck along the boards in the Rangers area, Watson ran across the ice and hit him hard against the boards. Motte fell on the ice and had to be helped by coaches before going to the locker room. Rangers later said Motte would not return to the game.
A review of the replay by officials showed that Watson’s primary point of contact on Motte was the chin, which led to Watson’s ejection.
Watson will be considered a repeat offender if the NHL Department of Player Safety decides to suspend him. Last season, he was suspended two games for a hit against Boston Bruins defenseman Jack Ahcan.
The Rangers acquired Motte from the Senators in a Feb. 19 trade.
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