Updated: Pavel Buchnevich suspended for head-butt to Lawson Crouse

UPDATE: 10/19, 7:45 pm: Pavel Buchnevich has been suspended two games for a head-butt to the face of Lawson Crouse. He will, unfortunately miss Wednesday night’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights as well as Saturday night’s home opener against the Los Angeles Kings.

Original article follows:

Blues fans already had an inkling that new arrival Pavel Buchnevich had a bit of a temper. During a particularly, contentious game between his New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals last season (after the cross-checking on the ice incident by Tom Wilson and the ragdolling of Artemi Panarin), he cross-checked Anthony Mantha in the face. This is frowned upon, and Buchnevich was given a one-game suspension.

This means that Buchnevich has a disciplinary record, and it may get a little longer today.

Turns out, head-butts from Buchnevich are just as frowned upon as cross-checks to the face. Buchnevich followed up his first period goal against the Arizona Coyotes with an altercation with Lawson Crouse. Crouse took exception to a hit between Buchnevich and Ladd earlier in the period, though it was a hit that Ladd instigated and executed pretty poorly. Ladd’s head made contact with Buchnevich’s shoulder, and Crouse apparently felt that this was intentional on the part of the Blues’ forward.

A few cross-checks from Lawson, one from Buchnevich, and a head-butt later, and Buchnevich was escorted from the ice after receiving a match penalty and a game ejection.

It doesn’t help Buchnevich’s case that the head-butt drew blood from Lawson, who also could be facing discipline for the cross-check that appeared to make contact with Buchnevich’s face.

The Blues will find out today if Buchnevich will be playing tomorrow night in Las Vegas, or if he’ll be sitting this game out. While not beneficial for him to sit regardless of circumstance, the Blues will be facing a depleted Golden Knights team. Buch’s prowess and physicality would come in handy.