The NHL has suspended Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman three games after he threw his stick in the direction of officials in the aftermath of a 2-1 loss to Vegas Saturday night.
Here is the Ryan Hartman suspension video by @NHLPlayerSafety pic.twitter.com/88EI2sKEpH
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 1, 2024
The suspension also took into account Hartman “verbally berating the officials in an inappropriate manner” following the game. He will miss the remainder of the team’s homestand with games against Ottawa, Colorado and Winnipeg.
Minnesota remains eight points out of the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference with just nine games left to play.
Hartman has registered 42 points (19 goals and 23 assists) for Minnesota this season
In a video statement announcing the suspension the league said it believes Hartman that he wasn’t trying to hit or hurt anyone with his stick. While he may not have intended to hurt anyone, according to the statement, “Hartman, himself, acknowledges his actions are unprofessional, unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
Hartman was upset officials failed to call Golden Knights defensman Noah Hanifin for high-sticking him in front of the net in the final minute of regulation. Due to the missed call, Minnesota missed out on a power play for the final 37 seconds of the third period and potentially opening up overtime with a four-on-three power play.
The Wild forward was fined earlier this season for high-sticking Winnipeg’s Cole Perfetti off a faceoff. This is the fourth suspension of Hartman’s career.
Minnesota is back in action Tuesday against Ottawa. Puck drop at the X is set for 7 p.m.
