Being ejected from the end of the Penguins’ shootout win will be the extent of the punishment for center Jordan Staal after he punched Rangers’ Brandon Prust.
Staal’s shot sent Prust to the ice, which earned him a match penalty and put him on suspension until further notice.
“We have reviewed the play and have communicated to (Penguins GM) Ray Shero that Jordan Staal is available to play tonight (vs. the Islanders),” NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell said, according to NHL.com.
The play came at the 15:27 mark of the second period, shortly after Chris Kunitz had scored Pittsburgh’s third straight goal to give the Penguins a 3-2 lead. A scrum had developed in front of the teams’ benches, and Prust came in and checked Tyler Kennedy. Staal then came over to defend his teammate, checking Prust before unloading the left hand that sent Prust crashing to the ice.
Staal’s brother Marc plays for the Rangers.

