Michael Bunting Suspended three games
Toronto Maple Leafs’ Michael Bunting has been suspended for three games by the NHL Department of Player Safety
Photo Via Getty Images
Bunting was issued a five-minute match penalty for an illegal check to the head against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak.
The incident occurred at 15:40 in the second period, and Cernak did not return to the game. Head coach John Cooper announced on Wednesday that Cernak will not play in Game 2.
After the incident, the Lightning scored two goals on the resulting power play to earn a 6-2 lead. The game ended 7-3 in favor of the Lightning.
Bunting will be unavailable for Games 2, 3, and 4 of the Eastern Conference first round. Which could mean Bunting will be unavailable for the rest of the Leafs’ playoff run, unless the Leafs win one of their next three games.
The Leafs have lost the Eastern Conference first round the past six years. Last year, the Leafs lost to the Lightning in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first round. The Leafs are hoping to get their revenge from last season and effectively end their ‘first round curse’.
Calle Jarnkrok will be replacing Bunting on the left wing on a line with center Auston Matthews and right wing Mitch Marner.
Matthew Knies, who made his NHL debut on April 10, could potentially be making his playoff debut in Game 2.
