Leafs’ Bunting suspended 3 games for check to the head of Tampa’s Cernak

Toronto Maple Leafs’ winger Michael Bunting has been suspended for three playoff games following an illegal check to the head and interference of Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Erik Černák, the league announced.

The hit happened in the second period of Game 1 when the Lightning were up 4-2 against the Leafs.

Michael Bunting has been suspended for 3 playoff games for an illegal check to the head and interference against Tampa Bay’s Erik Cernak, via @NHLPlayerSafety.pic.twitter.com/aY8TnNYJ6N

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 19, 2023

Bunting was given a match penalty and game misconduct as a result of the hit. Černák left the game and did not return. He’s been ruled out for Game 2 in Toronto.

The NHL’s Player Safety determined the hit as an illegal check to the head and interference, saying the head was the main point of contact and noting that the impact to the head was avoidable.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe pencilled in rookie winger Matthew Knies on the third line in preparation for punishment from the league. Knies is expected to make his NHL playoff debut on Thursday on a line with Ryan O’Reilly and Noel Acciari.

Winger Calle Järnkrok skated on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, while the second line featured Alex Kerfoot, John Tavares and William Nylander.

The Leafs lost 7-3 to the Lightning on Tuesday.

In his second season in Toronto, Bunting played all 82 games for the Maple Leafs, finishing with 23 goals and 49 points. The 27-year-old was one of the most penalized wingers in the NHL, with 103 penalty minutes.

In last year’s playoff series against the Lightning, Bunting scored a goal and had three points in six games.