Dylan Larkin facing suspension for punching Mathieu Joseph?

Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Red Wings' Dylan Larkin facing suspension for punching Tampa Bay's Mathieu Joseph?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/15/21

Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin may find himself a spectator heading into the weekend following Thursday's 7-6 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The NHL Department of Player Safety confirmed Larkin is set for a hearing Friday following his actions in the second period of Thursday's contest.

As Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News explained, Tampa Bay forward Mathieu Joseph received a minor penalty for roughing when he checked Larkin from behind into the boards with what many would describe as a dirty hit. Larkin rose to his feet and responded by delivering a punch to the side of Joseph's head that downed the Lightning player and sparked a scrum.

Chaos ensues as Mathieu Joseph runs Larkin's head into the glass, who then retaliates by punching Joseph in the head. Sorting out penalties as we speak pic.twitter.com/sHzRGdKJxU
— NHL Review (@nhl_review) October 15, 2021

Here's another look. Larkin is getting a match penalty for intent to injure, Joseph gets two for roughing not boarding. pic.twitter.com/fbZtbte1d6
— NHL Review (@nhl_review) October 15, 2021

Larkin initially received a match penalty, and Kulfan notes it's likely the league will hit the 25-year-old with a suspension.

"I mean, a punch with a glove on, I don’t know, maybe I’m old school, I don’t think I am, there’s lots of punches without gloves on," Wings coach Jeff Blashill told reporters after the game.

"It’s way different if a guy hits a guy with his glove off than with his glove on. So to me, I’d be surprised (of any suspension). But I’m not the NHL."

Detroit hosts the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday.

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