Justin Faulk sucker punches Joel Eriksson Ek
Justin Faulk is primarily known as an offensive-defenseman, during his time in the Carolina Hurricanes organization. In 2019-2020, the Canes moved on from Faulk, in exchange for Joel Edmunson (Now a Montreal Canadien), Dominik Bokk, and a 2021 7th round pick, which became Nikita Guslistov.
It's obvious that his playing style has changed under Craig Berube. Berube has paired Faulk with Torey Krug, since his arrival in St. Louis and it appears playing with Krug has rubbed off on Faulk a little bit. That was clear when Faulk landed a sucker punch on Eriksson-Ek for what appears to be absolutely no reason. To make matters worse it appears Faulk looked off Ek, before delivering the blow.
The physical nature though aligns closely with playoff hockey and as of now there has been no mention of supplemental discipline by NHL Department of Player Safety. The Minnesota Wild specificially acquired Nic Deslauriers for situations such as these so it will be interesting to see if he takes a run at Faulk in Game 2.
Last season Justin Faulk found himself knocked out of the playoffs early after a Nazem Kadri illegally landed a check that left Faulk unconscious. Faulk and the Blues are hoping for a potential second round match-up with Kadri and those same Avalanche.
