Capitals' Cristall Given Game Misconduct for Cross-Check in Preseason Loss of Composure
Yahoo Sports
The short version
- Andrew Cristall was ejected for a cross-checking major and game misconduct on Sept. 21.
- The cross-check to the face came after Hunter McDonald's clean board hit on Ryan Leonard.
- Both McDonald and Leonard stayed in the game.
- Cristall was drafted by Washington in 2023 and played last season in Hershey.
- Leonard signed an eight-year extension averaging $10.5 million.
Washington rookie Andrew Cristall was ejected from a Sept. 21 preseason game in Hershey after cross-checking Philadelphia's Hunter McDonald in the face.
Tempers boiled over during Monday's NHL preseason matchup between the Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia defenseman Hunter McDonald leveled Capitals forward Ryan Leonard with a hard check into the boards, a hit that was judged legal.
Washington rookie Andrew Cristall responded by skating toward McDonald and striking him in the face with a cross-check, knocking the defenseman down. Cristall attempted a second cross-check before Flyers players intervened as the altercation escalated.
Cristall was assessed a major penalty for cross-checking plus a game misconduct, ending his evening. Both McDonald and Leonard remained in the game.
A 2023 Capitals draft pick, Cristall spent last season playing in Hershey, the site of Monday's contest. Leonard, heading into his second full NHL campaign, recently agreed to an eight-year contract extension carrying a $10.5 million average.
Topics
Written by the Matchday Live desk from reporting by Yahoo Sports.
Read the original report at Yahoo Sports ↗