May 8, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (1) allows a shorthanded goal scored by Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
May 8, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (1) allows a shorthanded goal scored by Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
So, what a lot feared has now happened. The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Brayden McNabb for one playoff game after a controversial hit during Game 5 between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks.
The incident quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the playoffs. The hit happened on Ducks forward Ryan Poehling in the middle of the first period of Game 5. McNabb delivered a hard check near the boards after Poehling had already moved the puck.
Officials immediately gave McNabb a five-minute major penalty for interference and a game misconduct, which forced him to leave the game early. After the game, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced a disciplinary hearing. Later, the league confirmed a one-game suspension.
Apr 27, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA;Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) warms up before a game against the Utah Mammoth in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Apr 27, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA;Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb (3) warms up before a game against the Utah Mammoth in game four of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
They stated that Poehling was no longer in a legal position to be checked when the contact happened. "It is important to note that Poehling is in no way eligible to be checked on this play," the NHL's Department of Player Safety said in a video.
"With the puck having long been cleared away from Poehling, and with sufficient time to elect to avoid or minimize contact, McNabb instead finishes the hit with considerable force."
According to the league explanation, McNabb had time to avoid or reduce the hit, but he still used strong force. This caused Ryan Poehling to fall hard and hit the board.
Now that Brayden McNabb has been suspended, the Vegas Golden Knights will miss his services. It might affect the team combination as Brayden is an important part of his team.
This season, he has performed well, showing a +5 plus/minus impact on ice. In 11 playoff games so far this season, he has scored 3 points and helped the team in puck possession and control.
Brayden McNabb Hit Leaves Ryan Poehling Injured, Out for Game 6
Brayden McNabb will miss Game 6 due to suspension, and Ryan Poehling will also miss the game because of an injury from McNabb’s hit.
Poehling was helped off the ice by his teammates after the collision. Later, he was confirmed to have an upper-body injury.
Ducks coach Joel Quenneville confirmed that Poehling will miss Game 6 and may also miss more games in the series. This is a big setback for the Ducks, as they are already trailing 3-2 in the series.
They also lost the last game in a close 3-2 defeat. The next game will be played on May 14.
So, how do you think these teams will do in the next game, given that both of them will be missing a key player?
Read more at the NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Souvik Roy