NEW YORK — Entering Thursday night’s game against the New York Islanders, Marcus Johansson had only taken three trips to the penalty box all season, tied with Andre Burakovsky as the least penalized player for the Washington Capitals among skaters who have played at least 30 games this season. It’s not surprising because Johansson isn’t known for his physicality, with just 25 hits in 40 games.
But three minutes after he assisted on the Capitals’ first goal in the first period, Johansson was called for an illegal hit to the head on Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey. And it’s possible Johansson could face supplemental discipline, like a suspension or a fine, from the league on the hit.