Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Bunting has been suspended for 3 games for his gesture to Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak.
Toronto’s Michael Bunting has been suspended for 3 playoff games for an Illegal Check to the Head and Interference against Tampa Bay’s Erik Cernak. https://t.co/cEqbrMfeIt
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety)
April 19, 2023
Bunting received a five-minute major penalty for hitting the head on the streak. The striker hit Cernak with his elbow in attacking territory. The Lightning player was unable to come back into the game.
The Leafs lost Game 1 to the Lightning 7-3 on Tuesday night and trail 1-0 in the series. Bunting could therefore be back in the Toronto roster in a potential Game 5 scheduled for Toronto.
The second game between the two rivals is Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
