Devils Brendan Smith to Have Hearing with NHL Department of Player Safety

After Luke Hughes took a massive hit from Garnet Hathaway that sent him crashing into the boards, things certainly got chippy between the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers.

Hathaway was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct as a result of the hit.

Fortunately, the Devils avoided catastrophe as the 20-year-old returned to the game after leaving in the first period.

The Devils didn’t forget the hit, however, and between whistles was quite physical for the remainder of the game. Late in the third period, Devils Brendan Smith took a late, undisciplined penalty. The veteran defense/forward hybrid was assessed a two-minute minor for slashing against Flyers forward Travis Konecny.

According to the release by the NHL, “The incident occurred at 17:10 of the third period near the Devils bench in New Jersey’s 4-3 overtime win at Philadelphia on Thursday. (Brendan) Smith received a minor penalty for slashing on the play. Konecny was able to finish the game.”

“The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: slashing. However, the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review.”

Following the Devils’ 4-3 victory, head coach Lindy Ruff explained he believed Smith had a strong game, however, he made a point to single out Smith’s lack of discipline late in the game while trying to hold a lead.

“I saw a lot of good stuff (from Smith),” Ruff said Thursday night. “His killing & his physicality were good. I’m gonna mention one negative. We can’t take the penalty at the end of the game.”

We’ll receive a verdict on Smith at some point on Friday. As a result of a phone hearing, Smith can receive a maximum of five games or less suspension or a fine of more than $5,000. However, an in-person hearing can assess Smith for longer than five games.

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