Marcus Johansson will have disciplinary hearing for hit to head

Washington Capitals forward Marcus Johansson will have a disciplinary hearing after an illegal check to the head of Thomas Hickey on Thursday night.

Washington Capitals have done well despite losing various players recently. They might have to deal with the loss of a top six forward as Marcus Johansson will have a disciplinary hearing after his illegal check to the head of New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey.

Here is a gif of the hit for some context.

It will be interesting to see if Marcus Johansson faces any supplemental discipline, whether that be a fine or a suspension, for this hit. The big issue with Johansson’s hit is that it’s a fairly obvious hit to the head. Johansson’s shoulder makes contact with Hickey’s head and Johansson follows through on the hit.

Johansson’s intent will likely determine whether or not he is suspended. Hickey’s comments after the game could help Johansson’s case.

“I haven’t seen the replay yet,” Hickey said, via the Washington Post. “He’s an honest player. It’s probably 50 percent me. I’ve got to get my head up. He’s not a dirty player, but maybe it was a dirty hit. Like I said, I don’t think he’s got bad intentions. But certainly you’ve got to be a little more careful. That’s something we’re trying to get out of the game.”

There are several reasons to believe that Johansson won’t be suspended. The biggest thing going for Johansson is that he has a spotless record. He has 42 penalty minutes in 384 career games. Hickey stayed in the game, which should have an influence on the result of the hearing.

The Capitals beat the Islanders 4-1.