Leonard Double-Minor Penalty Sinks Capitals Against Devils

Washington's Ryan Leonard was penalized for a high stick that cut Cody Glass above the eye in a 7-4 loss to New Jersey.

Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Hockey

Leonard Double-Minor Penalty Sinks Capitals Against Devils

Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard earned a double-minor penalty for high sticking against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, when his stick caught Cody Glass above the eye. The Capitals lost the game 7-4.

Why it matters

The high-sticking infraction gave New Jersey a power-play opportunity during a game Washington went on to lose. NHL Player Safety may issue supplemental discipline for the play, which could affect Leonard's availability.

Through 18 games this season, Ryan Leonard has six goals and six assists, while Cody Glass has two goals and six points through 21 games after scoring 19 goals last season. Whether the NHL will issue supplemental discipline for the high stick remains unresolved.

The players

Ryan Leonard

Ryan Leonard is a forward for the Washington Capitals in his second NHL season, who has six goals and six assists through 18 games this year.

Cody Glass

Cody Glass is a center who scored 19 goals last season and was struck above the eye by Leonard's stick in the New Jersey game.

NHL Player Safety

NHL Player Safety is the league department that reviews on-ice infractions and may issue supplemental discipline for dangerous plays.

The details

Leonard played the puck on a breakout and swung his stick as Glass approached, catching Glass above the eye. Glass did not miss significant time, and he finished the game with one assist in 11:20 of ice time.

Timeline

  1. Saturday, November 14, 2026: Leonard earns double-minor penalty; Capitals lose 7-4 to Devils

  2. Tuesday, November 17, 2026: Capitals visit the Tampa Bay Lightning

  3. Thursday, November 19, 2026: Capitals host the Buffalo Sabres

  4. Saturday, November 21, 2026: Capitals visit Boston

Season Trajectory

Leonard's high-sticking double minor comes as Washington continues its early-season road stretch, with the Capitals set to face Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Boston over the next two weeks. Each penalty and suspension decision can shift the bench depth available during that run.

Leonard's double-minor and the possibility of supplemental discipline could affect Washington's lineup for upcoming games in Tampa Bay, Buffalo and Boston. Fantasy managers tracking Leonard's six goals and six assists should watch for any suspension notice before the next game.

The takeaway

A single high stick can carry consequences beyond the penalty box, from supplemental discipline to a player's availability over the following week. Following the league's disciplinary announcements is the most reliable way to track what happens next.

What happens next

NHL Player Safety may issue supplemental discipline to Ryan Leonard for the high-sticking play, and the Capitals visit the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

Further reading

For more on the team's recent results, see Hockey coverage from the Washington area.