Red Wings forward Tyler Bertuzzi will have a hearing with the Department of Player Safety for roughing/unsportsmanlike conduct.
The incident took place on Sunday night, halfway through the third period while Colorado led 1-0. After Matt Calvert was hit into the Detroit bench, his stick was held by a few players. Calvert tried to skate away, but was soon sucker-punched by Bertuzzi, who had taken his glove off.
The league hinted they would take a look at this incident that same night and formally announced it Monday morning.
Update, 7 PM: Bertuzzi has been suspended for two games.
Detroit’s Tyler Bertuzzi will have a hearing today for roughing/unsportsmanlike conduct on Colorado’s Matt Calvert.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 3, 2018
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Bertuzzi appeared to be upset at Calvert for attempting to yank his stick, which ended up spearing into the bench. They went back and forth a few times before Bertuzzi dropped his glove. Though he won’t face discipline, Dylan Larkin held Calvert down to the boards during the scrum.
Here is a better look at the punch.
No penalties were assessed.
Though the hearing is for roughing/unsportsmanlike conduct, the punch falls under the NHL rule against fighting from a non-playing surface.
Bertuzzi has had no prior discipline from the NHL’s DOPS, but he was suspended in the AHL for a slew foot.
