Overview
- Charlie McAvoy, who was tripped by Zach Benson late Friday in Game 6, was ejected after he responded with a two-handed slash.
- Officials gave McAvoy a five-minute major for slashing and a game misconduct, and they assessed Benson a two-minute tripping minor.
- The NHL’s Department of Player Safety offered McAvoy an in-person hearing, a process used when a suspension may exceed five games.
- Boston’s 4-1 defeat ended the Bruins’ season and sent Buffalo to the second round for the first time since 2007.
- Any ban would be served at the start of 2026–27, and McAvoy’s prior suspensions in 2019 and 2023 are part of the record the league considers.