Jeff Skinner Faces NHL Hearing for Cross-Checking Jake Guentzel

BUFFALO — It led to the deciding moment of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 4-3 OT win over the Buffalo Sabres on Friday night at Key Bank Arena. With 21 seconds remaining, Penguins winger Jake Guentzel and Buffalo winger Jeff Skinner traded slashes. However, Skinner did not stop and will face a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Saturday.

While the NHL did not specify the type of hearing, in person or phone, the quick turnaround likely means it is via phone. The maximum penalties with a phone hearing are a five-game suspension and a $5,000 fine.

UPDATE: Skinner received a three-game suspension. Get the updated Penguins news here.

After Skinner and Guentzel traded slashes, Skinner began to cross-check Guentzel, ending with an aggressive cross-check to Guentzel’s face.

Officials reviewed the penalty and assessed Jeff Skinner a match penalty on the ice, in addition to two minutes for slashing.

The penalty gave the Penguins a 4v3 power play for 4:39 of the five-minute overtime period. Jeff Carter scored early in OT for the Penguins’ victory.

The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Buffalo Sabres Saturday night at PPG Paints Arena.

Buffalo’s Jeff Skinner will have a hearing Saturday for Cross-checking Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel.

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 10, 2022