Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin suspended one game for punching Lightning's Mathieu Joseph

The Department of Player Safety confirmed Friday that Larkin has been suspended for one game and will lose $30,500.00, an amount determined by his average annual salary and the collective bargaining agreement. 

"As the video shows, Larkin and Joseph raced for the loose puck, and Larkin cuts in front of Joseph to establish position," the league explained in the video shared on its website, per Pro Hockey Rumors. "Joseph shoves Larkin, causing him to hit the boards and fall to the ice. Larkin then gets to his feet, finds Joseph and swings wildly, punching the unsuspecting Joseph in the face with a gloved hand, with sufficient force to knock him to the ice. This is roughing. 

"It is important to note that this is not a case of two players who willingly engage in a mutual confrontation. Joseph has no warning that he is about to be punched, and Larkin gives him no time to brace for contact, defend himself or choose to engage in the altercation. 

"We understand that Larkin is frustrated on this play, but as our Department has established in the past, players are not excused from punishment merely because they’re acting in response to the actions of another player. What causes this play to rise to the level of supplemental discipline is the retaliatory nature of the punch and the force with which it is delivered to an unsuspecting opponent."

While Larkin received a match penalty on Thursday, Joseph was handed a minor penalty for roughing. 

According to the NHL's website, Larkin didn't practice Friday and may have missed Saturday's home game against the Vancouver Canucks even before his ban was announced.

Detroit hosts the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday.