At 14:55 of the third period, the Maple Leafs star got tangled up with Dahlin in front of the Sabres net. After the Sabres defenseman shoved Matthews into the net, Matthews retaliated with a cross-check to the side of Dahlin’s head. 

Both players were assessed minor penalties for cross-checking during the game.  

According to the Department of Player Safety’s video, this was part of the reasoning for Matthews’ suspension.

It was uncharacteristic of the usually mild-mannered center. It was the first time Matthews has dealt with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety since entering the league in 2016. 

The Sabres won the game 5-2 thanks to three goals in the third period. Matthews scored his league-leading 47th goal of the season in the loss. 

MORE: NHL all-time point leaders: Who has the most points in NHL history?

Auston Matthews suspension details

Matthews is now forced to sit out Toronto’s next two games. He will be eligible to return for Toronto’s game on Saturday in Nashville against the Predators. 

He will also forfeit $116,402.50 of his salary, which will go toward the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. 

Has Auston Matthews been fined or suspended before?

This is the first offense for Matthews in his six seasons in the NHL. 

Matthews has never before faced supplementary discipline from the Department of Player Safety, whether that be a fine or suspension. That he did not have a history was part of the reasoning for only suspending him two games. 

What other cross-checking suspensions have happened this season?

The only other suspension resulting from a cross-check this season happened in the preseason. 

Ottawa’s Ridley Greig cross-checked Winnipeg’s Piere-Luc Dubois in the mouth during a preseason game in September. The result was a two-game suspension — one preseason and one regular season game. 

There have been seven fines handed out this season for cross-checking. Most recently, Edmonton’s Markus Niemelainen received a $2,043 fine for cross-checking Winnipeg’s Kristian Vesalainen in the face. 

Here is a look at the fines and suspensions this season for cross-checking.