Charlie McAvoy's Two-Handed Slash Just Cost the Bruins a Playoff Series, and Now He's Facing 6+ Game Suspension

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy got ejected with 1:31 left in Game 6 of their first-round matchup against Buffalo on Friday night, and it wasn't just the end of that game. It was the end of the Bruins' entire season. The infraction: a two-handed slash on Sabres forward Zach Benson that has now landed McAvoy in front of the NHL Department of Player Safety for an in-person hearing, meaning he could be looking at six or more games of suspension to start next season.

The Play That Ended It All

Here's what went down. McAvoy was skating back for an icing call when Benson tripped him up. McAvoy got back on his feet, skated directly over to Benson, and that's when he ripped the slash. The whole thing happened away from the puck while Boston was already trailing 4-1, staring down elimination. McAvoy got a five-minute major and an automatic game misconduct. Benson? He only got a two-minute minor for the trip that started it all. The Buffalo bench responded immediately, and the frustration boiled over right there at Climate Pledge Arena's counterpart arena across the country.

A Pattern of Discipline

This isn't McAvoy's first brush with the Department of Player Safety. Back in the 2019 playoffs, he served a one-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of Josh Anderson. Then in the 2023 regular season, he got hit with four games for an illegal check to the head of Oliver Ekman-Larsson, which was his most serious discipline up until now. McAvoy claimed after the game that he was slew footed by Benson, but that explanation didn't save him from the ejection or the hearing that's now coming.

Even Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff acknowledged what everyone saw: "I'm just going to say it was raw emotion. Charlie's a hell of a player. Cares about winning. Anybody would want Charlie on his team. Probably went a little too far though."

The Bruins lost all three home games in this first-round series. The hearing date hasn't been set yet, but McAvoy better prepare himself for what could be a significant suspension looming over next season.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.