Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →In the NHL, a knee-on-knee collision does not automatically eject a player. If the referee calls a major penalty for kneeing, however, Rule 50 requires a game misconduct, which removes the player for the rest of the game. The NHL Department of Player Safety may then review the play separately and consider additional discipline, including a suspension.
What counts as kneeing under NHL rules?
NHL Rule 50 defines kneeing as leading with the knee, sometimes by extending the leg outward to make contact with an opponent. Officials judge the conduct and its severity; the fact that two players’ knees collide does not by itself determine the penalty.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
2016–2017 Official Rules of the NHL | $15.54 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
NHL '97 | $5.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Official Rules of the Nhl 99-00 (National Hockey Lague.//Schedule and Rule Book, 1999 2000) | $82.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
EA Sports NHL 24 (Nordic) | Buy on Amazon |
Under Rule 50, the referee may assess a minor or major penalty for kneeing. A match penalty is available when, in the referee’s judgment, the player attempted to injure an opponent or deliberately injured one by kneeing. A major penalty for kneeing carries a game misconduct under Rule 50.5. See the NHL’s 2025–26 Official Rules, Rule 50.
What happens immediately after the ejection?
A game misconduct means the player is removed for the remainder of that game. It is a consequence of the major penalty for kneeing; it does not, by itself, say whether the league will impose a suspension after the game.
#1 Best Overall
Can the NHL review the hit after the game?
Yes. The NHL Department of Player Safety monitors games and may review a play for supplemental discipline. A penalty on the ice is not required for the Department to act, and its later discipline does not have to use the same categorization as the officials’ call. The Department describes its video room as having 25 monitors; that is a description of its review setup, not a measure of how often suspensions are issued. Read the NHL Department of Player Safety FAQs, published August 22, 2023.
What factors affect a possible suspension?
The NHL’s stated factors include the conduct itself, whether it was intentional or reckless, whether it involved excessive or unnecessary force, whether an injury occurred, the player’s prior discipline history, and the circumstances of the game. These are considerations for the league, not a formula that automatically converts a particular hit or injury into a set number of games.
Rank #2
- NHL 97 took the graphics even further ahead, using a full 3D engine, with motion captured polygonal players. Each goaltender has his own custom-painted mask and the original artwork can be seen inside the game with a special "Goalie Mask Viewer". NHL 97 also introduces play-by-play commentary, provided by well-known announcer Jim Hughson. For the first time since EA Hockey, national teams were added, but only Canada, the United States, and Russia have their own teams while the other two are selections of the best European players. Along with the PC, Mega Drive/Genesis and SNES versions, both the Sega Saturn and PlayStation version made their debut, although they were rushed and buggy. For instance, the shot speed in the Playstation and Saturn versions was so slow that some skaters could beat a slapshot down the ice. The cover of the game features Florida Panthers goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck.
To understand why two kneeing incidents may lead to different outcomes, compare the on-ice penalty and its severity, the nature of the contact, the injury, the player’s history, and the game context. None of those factors alone establishes the eventual discipline.
Will the player get a hearing, and can they appeal?
Before deciding on supplemental discipline, the NHL gives the player an opportunity to explain. The Department’s FAQ describes phone hearings for cases involving a suspension of five games or fewer or a fine above $5,000; when six or more games may be warranted, it describes an offered in-person hearing.
Rank #3
- Used Book in Good Condition
The same FAQ says a player may appeal on-ice discipline to the Commissioner by giving written notice within 48 hours. It describes a further appeal to a neutral arbitrator for suspensions of six or more games. A player remains suspended while an appeal is pending, unless the suspension term ends first. The specific appeal route depends on the type of discipline involved.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A recent example: Radko Gudas and Auston Matthews
On March 17, 2026, NHL.com reported that Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas received a five-game suspension for kneeing Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews. The report said Matthews sustained a grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion, ending his season. That result illustrates one case; it is not an automatic penalty for every knee-on-knee hit. Read Dan Rosen’s NHL.com report on the decision.
Rank #4
- 5030946125210
In that report, Department of Player Safety head George Parros said the league evaluates the play first, then considers the players’ histories and whether an injury occurred. His explanation underscores why the ejection during a game and the league’s later review are separate decisions.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute
