Matinpalo exits Senators-Devils game after boarding hit
Ottawa Senators defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo exited Monday's matchup with the New Jersey Devils because of an upper-body injury. He was pushed into the boards from behind by Anthony Mantha, who received a five-minute major for boarding. Matinpalo logged 2:19 of ice time and did not return.
Matinpalo, 28, had appeared in Ottawa's first six contests this season and entered the week averaging 17:45 per game while posting a plus-2 rating, though he had not recorded a point. The Espoo, Finland, product is in his second full NHL campaign and has also spent time with AHL Belleville since arriving in North America in 2023.
Last season he tallied five assists over 50 games with a minus-1 rating and 15:38 average ice time. He has skated in 101 regular-season NHL games, recording one goal and nine points, plus 10 playoff appearances. He also scored for Finland at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where the team earned bronze.
The injury may affect Ottawa's defensive depth and Matinpalo's availability, while teammates and fans could feel concern about player safety. It may also add to broader conversations around boarding and head-first impacts in hockey, potentially influencing how players, coaches, and leagues consider protective measures and on-ice conduct. The immediate impact is likely most personal: a player's health, recovery timeline, and career continuity remain uncertain until more information is available.