Taylor Hall will not face additional discipline for the hit that left Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson with a concussion during Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.
The NHL confirmed to The Athletic on Friday that no supplementary punishment would be issued against the Hurricanes forward for the illegal check to the head delivered at the 4:24 mark of the second period.
Sanderson, an Olympic gold medallist with Team USA, remained in the game for two additional shifts totaling 3:35 after the hit before leaving the ice. He did not return for the remainder of Carolina’s 2-1 victory.
Senators coach Travis Green said Sanderson “is not doing very well” and confirmed he would miss Game 4. Green called the lack of a major penalty call “ridiculous” and expressed surprise that no review for supplemental discipline was initiated.
“I’d be shocked if there wasn’t supplementary discipline in this event,” Green said. “It’s a blatant shot to the head. Shocked it wasn’t a major. (I’m) surprised there’s not some kind of talk of supplementary discipline.”
Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour downplayed the severity of the hit, noting that Sanderson’s helmet came off on impact, which may have made the collision appear worse than it was. Brind’Amour added he did not review the play multiple times and recalled that Sanderson threw a punch afterward.
The hit occurred during a tightly contested playoff matchup, with Carolina seeking to advance past Ottawa in the opening round. Sanderson, widely regarded as the Senators’ top defenseman, has been a key contributor throughout the season and playoffs.
