Not only did the wheels fly off for the Islanders during the second period against the Devils on Sunday, but their captain might have put himself at risk for a suspension during a pivotal stretch for the team’s playoff hopes.
Anders Lee was given a game misconduct for a knee-to-knee hit on Nico Hischier that was cut-and-dried over the line, with the Islanders forward connecting with the Devils’ captain’s left knee.
Hischier went straight to the dressing room while Timo Meier jumped in to defend him, but he returned for the third period.
After Meier and Lee dropped gloves, the pair received fighting majors, with Lee receiving an additional five minutes for kneeing and a game misconduct.
Anders Lee’s knee-to-knee hit on the Devils’ Nico Hischier resulted in an ejection. Screengrab via X/@GinoHard_
Meier also received a two-minute instigator penalty and a 10-minute misconduct.
If the league chooses to take additional action on Lee’s hit, it will likely result in the Islanders being without their captain for at least part — if not all — of the three-game road trip that starts on Thursday in Sunrise, Fla.
Anders Lee, pictured earlier in Sunday’s game, was ejected for his knee-to-knee hit in the second period. NHLI via Getty Images
The Islanders are in desperate need of wins as they slip further down in the standings.
Their captain putting his availability to help at risk only does more damage.