Penguins’ Crosby Appears To Avoid Disciplinary Action For Punching Capitals’ Dowd

It looks Sidney Crosby will not face further discipline for punching Nic Dowd in the face during Saturday’s tilt between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins.

The NHL Department of Player Safety has not made any comment on Crosby. The Pens captain is currently playing for Pittsburgh against the Nashville Predators and picked up his 27th goal of the season in the opening frame. At this point, it seems unlikely that No. 87 will face a fine or suspension for his actions.

During the first period of Saturday’s game, Dowd and Crosby were battling for the puck. Crosby, appearing frustrated, sucker-punched Dowd in the face, and Dowd went down in visible pain as Crosby was called for a minor penalty. However, Dmitry Orlov ended up scoring on the delayed call, so the Capitals didn’t end up on the power play.

Here’s what happened:

#ALLCAPS Crosby punches Dowd. to me this should be more than a 2 minute minor pic.twitter.com/bQOTFlt2Vv

— Capitals Replays (@capsreplays) April 9, 2022

This is arguably the second time Crosby has thrown a “cheap shot” in the Capital’s direction this season. Back in November, a frustrated Crosby threw Martin Fehervary headfirst into the boards in the third period of a 6-1 win. There was no penalty on the play, and Crosby didn’t face discipline. In the end, Fehervary didn’t seem to really have a lot to say about it.

“I don’t know, I don’t even know what should I talk about. I don’t care,” he said.