Ryan Hartman of the Minnesota Wild will face supplementary discipline based on his unsportsmanlike conduct versus the Vegas Golden Knights. Hartman was no doubt disappointed at the outcome of the game. The Wild had pulled their goalie in overtime, in order to do everything they could to get the extra point. However, the attempt failed, and the Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault buried the empty-netter to finish the game. Hartman let his frustrations get the better of him and threw his stick towards an official.
The Ryan Hartman Penalty Could Have Been Worse
Minnesota’s Ryan Hartman will have a hearing tomorrow for unsportsmanlike conduct for his actions during Saturday’s game against Vegas.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 31, 2024
It seems that Hartman will get off lightly following his discipline. The reason is it is reported by the Department of Player Safety that the hearing was a result of unsportsmanlike conduct. Upon conclusion of the hearing, Hartman has been suspended for three games. In contrast, had the penalty been for abuse of an official, which was possible, the penalty would be stiffer. An abuse of an official penalty comes with an automatic three-game suspension. It also doesn’t help Hartman’s case that he is recognized as a repeat offender in the eyes of the league. He was handed down a two-game suspension in November for tripping the Detroit Red Wings Alex DeBrincat.
Where Does This Leave the Wild
For the play against Vegas, there was a lot for Hartman to be frustrated about that culminated him in doing this act. First of all, earlier in the game, there was a controversial play that saw Jack Eichel put his stick in the mid-section of Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov. Next, Hartman was still upset about a missed call late in the third. He had felt that Noah Hanifin high-sticked him, which went uncalled. Finally, the team is still desperate for points in the standings. Currently, they sit eight points out with nine games to go.
Main photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
