Andrew Cristall Ejected After Cross-Checking Hunter McDonald in the Face

The on-ice retaliation drew a major penalty and a league fine, raised questions about Cristall’s roster chances, and is under review by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.

Overview

A hard hit that sent Capitals forward Ryan Leonard into the boards prompted Capitals forward Andrew Cristall to skate over and cross-check Flyers prospect Hunter McDonald in the face.
Officials assessed Cristall a five-minute major for cross-checking and a 10-minute game misconduct that ended his night in Hershey.
Hunter McDonald was shaken up and slow to get up but did not leave the game after the incident.
The NHL fined Cristall $2,250.86, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement, and the play remains open to further review by the Department of Player Safety.
Cristall was making his preseason debut while competing for a final forward spot, so the ejection and any added discipline could directly affect his bid to make Washington’s Opening Night roster.