Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for slashing Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson late in Game 6 on Friday.
McAvoy retaliated after Benson took him down during a race for a loose puck. Benson was given a tripping minor.
At the end of the third period, Charlie McAvoy swung his stick at Zach Benson after Benson took him down 😳 pic.twitter.com/8NHny8nwlZ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 2, 2026
Slashing majors automatically result in game misconducts. If McAvoy faces supplemental discipline, a suspension would carry over to the start of next season, as the Bruins were eliminated with the 4-1 loss.
McAvoy has been suspended twice in his career, both for illegal hits to the head. The Bruins' top defender struggled in the playoffs, going minus-6 in the series while adding two assists.
