Smith was penalized for interference in the second period while Stepan reportedly went through concussion protocol.
According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety is reviewing Zack Smith’s hit on Derek Stepan to see whether it warrants a hearing.
Smith hit Stepan, who didn’t have the puck, in front of the Rangers bench at 15:37 of the second period. The Sens’ forward was assessed a minor penalty for interference for the hit.
Stepan left the game for the remainder of the second period, but did return for the third period and played over seven minutes in the third period and overtime.
Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported that Stepan’s absence at the end of the second period was likely so the Rangers’ forward could undergo concussion protocol.
The 25-year-old finished with 17:18 in time on ice and won three of the seven face-offs he took in the Rangers 2-1 shootout victory over the Senators.
