P.K. Subban Ejected for Slash on Matt Stone During Canadiens vs. Senators

Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban was ejected from his team’s first 2015 Stanley Cup playoff game Wednesday against the Ottawa Senators.

Andy Graziano of IslandersInsight.com passed along the news. Subban received the game misconduct in the second period of the Canadiens' 4-3 win when he intentionally slashed Ottawa’s Mark Stone away from the puck in front of the Montreal goal.    

Pete Blackburn of WEEI in New England shared a highlight of the play:

On Thursday morning, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reported that NHL discipline chief Stephane Quintal said Subban would not be suspended for the penalty:

Senators general manager Bryan Murray also addressed the situation on Thursday, calling Stone "very questionable for the series" with a "fracture and ligament damage," per Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun. Per Garrioch, Murray also said, "The disturbing part is there was a threat made before by Subban to Stone."

Garrioch and the Senators provided additional comments from Murray:

Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star did not agree with the decision to kick Subban out of the game, especially given the postseason stakes:

Harrison Mooney of The Vancouver Sun had a more tongue-in-cheek approach when analyzing the play:

Sportsnet Stats pointed out that Subban has not made a habit of picking up game misconducts throughout his career:

Subban was a critical part of Montreal’s strong defense this season and will be counted on this postseason, especially against a formidable Ottawa offense. The Canadiens were first in the entire league in goals against per game (2.2) this season and reached the playoffs on the back of Subban and the rest of their stifling defense.   

Subban was also an important part of the offense with 15 goals and 45 assists.