The New York Islanders lost the game, but won the disciplinary war: Marco Scandella has been suspended for two games for his headshot on Brock Nelson, which was eerily similar to the headshot he delivered on TJ Oshie less than two weeks ago (eliciting a fine...amazing that $2,000 doesn't initiate behavioral change among millionaires!).
Matt Martin, who was not penalized for his hit that sent Keith Ballard to the hospital with a concussion and facial fractures, did not receive any supplemental discipline. Apparently the league shared our take: Unfortunate, but Ballard spun at the last second to put himself at great risk.
From the league (with video explanation above) on the Scandella suspension:
Minnesota Wild defenseman Marco Scandella has been suspended for two games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson during NHL Game No. 415 in St. Paul on Tuesday, December 9, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
The incident occurred at 17:32 of the third period. Scandella was assessed a minor penalty for illegal check to the head.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and based on his average annual salary, Scandella will forfeit $11,021.50. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Meanwhile, apparently Scandella's tomahawk chop on John Tavares received no further review, or at least no hearing. Because the brain bone is not connected to the, leg bone.