Washington Capitals forward Marcus “The Mauler” Johansson will be speaking to NHL Player Safety after his check to the head of the Islanders’ Thomas Hickey.
Washington's Marcus Johansson will have a hearing today for an illegal check to the head of NY Islanders's Thomas Hickey.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) January 8, 2016
During the first period, Johansson caught Hickey in the head with his shoulder. He was given a two-minute minor penalty.
https://twitter.com/myregularface/status/685255950610116608
After the game, Hickey was refreshingly honest about the play.
Thomas Hickey on Johansson hit: "I haven't seen the replay yet. He's an honest player. It's probably 50% me. I've got to get my head up."
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 8, 2016
Hickey on Johansson: “He’s not a dirty player, but maybe it was a dirty hit. Like I said, I don’t think he’s got bad intentions.”
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 8, 2016
For his part, Johansson seemed to admit that his hit contacted Hickey’s head.
Johansson on his hit: “I went in with my shoulder, and you know, I don’t know if he had his head low or not, but I went in with my shoulder”
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) January 8, 2016
Isabelle has more reactions to the hit in the Post.
We’ll hear in a bit if Johansson is suspended (I’m betting no) or fined. Meanwhile, please go photoshop Marcus The Mauler doing dangerous things.

