Toronto Maple Leafs forward facing lengthy suspension for violent slash to the head

Last night's win against the Tampa Bay Lightning was huge for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as it puts them just three points away from the Atlantic Division lead.

The Maple Leafs are on a roll, and beating a team like the Lightning proves that this roster actually does have what it takes to put a good season together.

Unfortunately, the game did come at a cost. Dakota Mermis could miss time after a knee-on-knee hit from Gage Goncalves. Meanwhile, Bobby McMann slashed Oliver Bjorkstrand over the head, which is a huge no-no in the eyes of the NHL Department of Player Safety.

When McMann was ejected from last night's game, there was quite a bit of chatter online about how confusing the sequence was. There were people who felt as though McMann had done nothing wrong.

However, some footage eventually made its way online, which made it abundantly clear why McMann had to be taken out of the game. While the slash to Bjorkstrand's head may appear accidental, the referees had no choice but to issue an ejection.

After the game, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube spoke about the ejection, and how he found it to be a tough play to judge in the moment.

Because McMann was ejected from the game, he will automatically be looked at by the NHL Department of Player Safety. Since this was a slash to the head, a suspension could very well be likely.

In fact, it would not be shocking if this ended up being a multi-game suspension, as slashes to the head, accidental or not, are violent elements of the sport that the NHL is attempting to crack down on.

The NHL Department of Player Safety will have until today at 5 PM to officially make a decision on whether or not McMann is going to be facing any supplemental discipline.