NHL Sets Hearing for Devils Forward

The NHL has set a hearing for a key New Jersey Devils forward after a cross-checking incident against the Nashville Predators.
Nov 25, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; The New Jersey Devils and the Nashville Predators fight after a hit by New Jersey Devils right wing Timo Meier (28) (not shown) during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Nov 25, 2024; Newark, New Jersey, USA; The New Jersey Devils and the Nashville Predators fight after a hit by New Jersey Devils right wing Timo Meier (28) (not shown) during the third period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images / Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

The NHL Department of Player Safety announced that New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier will have a hearing after a cross-checking incident against the Nashville Predators. In the third period of the Devils’ 5-2 win, Meier cross-checked Predators’ rookie forward Zach L’Heureux, catching him in the face.

The Devils were already winning 4-2 at the time of the incident, and Meier was given a cross-checking penalty and game misconduct. Meier had already recorded an assist on the Devils’ second goal of the game and recorded five total shots.

Meier hit L’Heureux with multiple cross-checks after a whistle had blown on a play. The first one landed on L’Heuruex’s chest, but the second one went up and caught him square in the face.

After a review of the five-minute major penalty, officials deemed Meier’s actions worthy of a game-misconduct.

Following Meier’s cross-check, a massive scrum ensued. L’Heureux crawled out of the brawl, and appeared to be injured on the play. The cross-check drew blood from his face and he did not play another shift in the game.

Earlier in the third period, L’Heureux scored the Predators’ second and final goal of the game. In 17 games played of his rookie season, he has two goals and three assists for five total points.

A hearing for Meier opens up the possibility of a suspension for the cross-check to the face.

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Nick Horwat
NICK HORWAT

Nick Horwat is a contributor with Breakaway On SI. He was previously a credentialed reporter for The Hockey News covering the Pittsburgh Penguins. A Pittsburgh native, Nick graduated from Point Park University and started reporting on news and sports with KDKA Radio and 93.7 The Fan. After hosting a Penguins talk radio show in college, he morphed the show into a podcast. The Tip of the Ice-Burgh Podcast has been a leading Penguins podcast since 2019. Follow him on Twitter @NickHorwat41.