Capitals’ Weber boards Rust in rout; suspension coming? (Video)

The game was already way out of hand when Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Weber laid the hit above on Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust.

Weber was quickly tossed from the game with a 10 minute misconduct and a five minute major penalty for boarding. Pittsburgh’s Tom Kuhnhackl was also sent packing with a two-minute minor for roughing and a game misconduct, as well. It left the Penguins on a power play.

Rust, who appeared to be injured on the play, left the bench for a short period of time. He returned, and 3:34 after the hit that gave the Penguins the man advantage, Rust assisted on Pittsburgh’s sixth goal of the game.

We’ve confirmed the Department of Player Safety is looking into the hit further, and will decide whether or not to impose supplemental discipline. 

The boarding call is what they’ll focus on, as the hit appears to be delivered within the allowable and brief fractions of a second after Rust touches the puck. Weber sees Rust’s numbers the whole way. He doesn’t adjust his body position to avoid contact.

One thing to note. There were a couple members of the (cough, cough, Pittsburgh, cough) media tweeting TO DoPS about the officiating in the game. These media members, who shall remain anonymous, complained to Player Safety about their officials allowing this game to get out of hand. 

Yeah, about that. 

Yes, the game was getting chippy, but Hockey Operations – not the Department of Player Safety – oversees the officials. If reporters wanted to complain via social media, they should really direct their tweets to @NHL instead.

We’re sure that will get the league’s attention right away.

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Jen Neale is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter! Follow @MsJenNeale_PD.

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