New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier was suspended one game for cross-checking Nashville Predators winger Zachary L'Heureux, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Tuesday.
The incident occurred late in the third period of the Devils' 5-2 victory on Monday. L'Heureux was bloodied on the play and didn't return to the contest. Meier was handed a five-minute major and game misconduct.
Wow. Timo Meier just cross checked Zach L'Heureux in the face after the play. Blood and injury. It leads to a five minute major penalty.
— Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) November 26, 2024
Predators will have a 5-minute major power play, down two goals. pic.twitter.com/nh6bLkRlNC
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe said he wished Meier had been able to rein in his emotions in that moment.
"He thinks he's in a physical confrontation there, and if the other guy gets his hands up, it probably is different," Keefe said. "There's no intent there from Timo's spot. He's in a battle and competing in that spot.
"But, yeah, you gotta show a little more restraint and control, for sure. And any time of the game, but certainly in the third period when it's a two-goal game like that."
New Jersey killed off the five-minute penalty and Justin Dowling iced the contest with an empty-netter.
This is Meier's first suspension of his 565-game NHL career. He's been fined twice, once for roughing in 2017 and again in 2019 for embellishment.
The 28-year-old has logged seven goals and 15 points in 24 outings this season.
The Devils will face the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday without Meier.
