Habs’ Wideman suspended one game for head butt on Bruins’ Haula

NEW YORK – Montreal Canadiens defenceman Chris Wideman has been suspended one game by the NHL’s department of player safety for a head butt on Boston Bruins forward Erik Haula.

The incident occurred in the third period of Wednesday’s game when Wideman and Haula were engaged in a scrum.

Wideman was assessed minor penalties for roughing and unsportsmanlike conduct on the play. Haula, meanwhile, was handed a roughing minor.

The 32-year-old Wideman, who had never faced NHL supplementary discipline prior to Wednesday’s incident, will forfeit US$3,750 in salary.

The money goes to the players’ emergency assistance fund.

Boston beat Montreal 5-1 in the Canadiens’ return to action following a massive COVID-19 outbreak that sidelined 24 players and two coaches.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 13, 2022.