Gostisbehere suspended 2 games for boarding Penguins' Friedman

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere has been suspended two games for boarding Pittsburgh Penguins rearguard Mark Friedman during Tuesday's contest, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Wednesday.

The play occurred late in the third period after Friedman scored an empty-net goal to put Pittsburgh up 7-3. Gostisbehere was assessed a two-minute minor for cross-checking.

Dangerous and cheap play by Gostisbehere here, cross-checking Mark Friedman from behind after EN goal. Friedman goes flying into the boards pic.twitter.com/VgVHzdYY5o

- NHL Safety Watch (@NHLSafetyWatch) May 5, 2021

"It is important to note that this is not a defensive play in which Gostisbehere is attempting to reach the puck carrier to prevent a goal from being scored," the league explained in its decision.

"It is only after the empty-net goal was apparent that Gostisbehere adjusts his skating path, takes a hard stride to reach Friedman, and begins to initiate this contact ... this is an intentional shove delivered at speed to the back of the player who is not adequately positioned to protect himself."

This is the first time in 380 career contests that Gostisbehere has received supplemental discipline.

The Flyers, who have already been eliminated from playoff contention, have three games remaining this season.

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