Dylan Larkin Handed Suspension

NHL Player Safety has suspended Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin one game for roughing Tampa Lightning forward Mathieu Joseph.

Detroit’s Dylan Larkin has been suspended for one game for Roughing Tampa Bay’s Mathieu Joseph. https://t.co/xcYgB6dnjh

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) October 15, 2021

Joseph initially hit Larkin from behind into the boards. This led the 25-year-old center to get up and 

punch Joseph in the head, while still wearing his glove. 

NHL Player Safety noted that Larkin's suspension was due to Joseph not being aware that the punch was coming. Furthermore, they stated that the confrontation was not mutual and Joseph was unable to protect himself because of it. 

Joseph's hit was certainly not clean, though. It's understandable that Larkin was livid about it, especially given his recent injury trouble. However, the NHL still deemed that his way of handling it was worthy of a suspension.

Do you feel NHL player safety was right in their decision? Furthermore, did Joseph deserve to be suspended for his hit, too? Feel free to let us know in the comments!

Photo Credit: © James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports