new york rangers Defenseman K’Andre Miller was ejected from Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Kings after he spat at veteran NHL defenseman Drew Doughty late in the first period.
Miller, 23, was handed a match penalty and automatically sent off from the game after he was caught on video spitting at Doughty following a minor scrum that erupted behind the net after the whistle.
New York Rangers number 79 K’Andre Miller is ejected from the game after being called on a major penalty kick in the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2023 in New York City. York. (Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
Doughty, who is playing his 15th season in the NHL, he said after the game that he was shocked and did not remember seeing anything like this before.
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«I was surprised, obviously,» he said. «I don’t even know if I told him anything afterwards. You don’t want to see things like that in this game. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that. I’m sure it has happened.» not that I have seen. It’s unfortunate.»
Drew Doughty, #8 of the Los Angeles Kings, argues with referee Eric Furlatt, #27, to call New York Rangers’ K’Andre Miller, #79, during the first period at Madison Square Garden on Feb. February 26, 2023 in New York City. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
«Whether he intended to do it or not I have no idea. It’s pretty big on my face so I was pretty (upset).»
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According to multiple reports, Miller contacted Doughty after the game, explaining that it was accidental.
«The kid feels bad about it,» Rangers manager Gerard Gallant added after the game. He said it was an accident.
K’Andre Miller, number 79 of the New York Rangers, skates with the puck against the Los Angeles Kings at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2023 in New York City. (Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
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According to the New York Post, Miller could face an additional suspension from the league as the commissioner reviews all game penalties. Garnet Hathaway, who was recently traded to the boston Bruins, he was suspended three games in 2019 for intentionally spitting at Erik Gudbranson during a fight.
Despite the incident, the Rangers avoided a five-game skid with a 5-2 win over the Kings.
Associated Press contributed to this report.