The act against Senators forward Tim Stützle on the impending faceoff went considerably too far in the NHL’s eyes.

Hartman stood at the end of the bench on Saturday, smiling in disbelief, as the refs announced he'd been kicked out of the game. In his meeting with the league, Hartman claimed he was attempting to use his hand to regain his balance using Stutzle for support and that their fall to the ice was accidental.

Ryan Hartman has been offered an in-person hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety. The Minnesota Wild forward is facing discipline for roughing against Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stutzle. The date and time of the hearing is to be determined.