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NHL Schedules Hearing for McAvoy After Playoff Slash

5/3/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

McAvoy Hearing

The NHL offered Charlie McAvoy an in-person hearing after he slashed Zach Benson in Game 6.
The slash with 1:31 left as Boston trailed 4-1 gave McAvoy a five-minute major and game misconduct.
Benson received a two-minute minor for tripping while McAvoy claimed he was slew-footed, a view shared by coach Lindy Ruff.
The league could suspend McAvoy for six or more games, noting his 2019 playoff and 2023 regular-season suspensions.

Summary

Bruins Clinch Wildcard

Boston entered the 2025-26 season as underdogs but secured the top Wild Card spot.
Coach Marco Sturm said the team’s character lets them target a Stanley Cup next season.
Vezina finalist Jeremy Swayman posted a 2.91 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in the series.
Defenseman Nikita Zadorov disclosed a fully torn MCL suffered in Game 3, ending his participation.

History

Historical Context

After the NHL formed the Department of Player Safety in 2011 under senior vice-president Brendan Shanahan—issuing 41 suspensions that cost players 212 games in its first season—the league has used that precedent to police violent play. In the current season the Boston Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy faces a hearing for slashing Zach Benson, prompting coach Marco Sturm to adjust the lineup.

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McAvoy Hearing

The NHL offered Charlie McAvoy an in-person hearing after he slashed Zach Benson in Game 6.
The slash with 1:31 left as Boston trailed 4-1 gave McAvoy a five-minute major and game misconduct.
Benson received a two-minute minor for tripping while McAvoy claimed he was slew-footed, a view shared by coach Lindy Ruff.
The league could suspend McAvoy for six or more games, noting his 2019 playoff and 2023 regular-season suspensions.

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