Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, a Team USA Olympic gold medalist, risks a lengthy suspension following a heated slash on Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson during the final moments of Game 6, which eliminated the Bruins from the playoffs.

The Playoff Clash

The Sabres led 4-1 with under two minutes left when the puck headed toward an icing call. Benson, in his third NHL season, slew-footed McAvoy from behind near the boards in a dangerous maneuver. McAvoy quickly rose and swung his stick at Benson, striking him in the arm.

Officials issued McAvoy a five-minute major penalty for slashing plus a game misconduct, ejecting him from the game. Benson received only a two-minute minor for tripping, despite NHL rules classifying slew-footing as a match penalty warranting ejection.

League’s Response

The NHL Department of Player Safety has offered McAvoy an in-person hearing for the slash, a step that typically precedes suspensions of six or more games into the 2026-27 season. No hearing or additional discipline has been announced for Benson.

Coach’s Take

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff reflected on the play, stating, “You don’t want to see the last play of the game. You don’t want to see a guy take a chop like that at somebody else.” He added, “I think he feels that Benson tripped him on the play or took his feet out from underneath him. I’m just going to say [it was] raw emotion. Charlie’s a hell of a player. Cares about winning. Anybody would want Charlie on his team. Probably went a little too far, though.”

Sabres Advance

Benson contributed two goals and three points over the six-game series, helping Buffalo secure its first playoff series victory since 2007. The Sabres now await the winner of Sunday’s Game 7 between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round.