Arizona Coyotes defenseman Anthony DeAngelo picked up a game misconduct for arguing with — and trying to get away from — linesman David Brisebois during Saturday’s game against the Calgary Flames. Now he faces the possibility of missing three more.

At the end of the second period, the two teams came together with Calgary’s Sam Bennett and DeAngelo exchanging gloved jabs as the horn sounded. The officials quickly moved in to break up the scrum and separate the players.

DeAngelo mouthed off as he struggled to get free from the Brisebois. Instead of getting loose, he found himself escorted to the locker room, done for the night.

DeAngelo’s actions are clearly covered in Rule 40 – Physical Abuse of Officials:

40.1 Game Misconduct – Any player who deliberately applies physical force in any manner against an official, in any manner attempts to injure an official, physically demeans, or deliberately applies physical force to an official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an official during or immediately following an altercation shall receive a game misconduct penalty. In addition, the following (40.2, 40.3, 40.4) disciplinary penalties shall apply.

He’s also potentially at risk for further discipline, with a three-game suspension in play. Here’s the relevant part of the rule:

40.4 Automatic Suspension – Category III – Any player who […] deliberately applies physical force to an official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an official during or immediately following an altercation shall be suspended for not less than three (3) games.

We’ll wait for the determination by NHL Hockey Operations. As this is an official-related offense, it’s handled by Hockey Ops rather than the Department of Player Safety.

Let’s hope the NHL stands by the officials and goes by the book. There should be no tolerance when it comes to abuse of officials, particularly that of a physical nature. Call it by the book and have DeAngelo sit for three. Let him learn an important lesson and set an example that the league simply won’t allow physical contact with its referees and linesmen.

This isn’t the first time the New Jersey native’s mouth has gotten him into trouble. He sat for a one-game suspension for arguing with an official while playing in the Ontario Hockey League. He was also suspended by his OHL team, the Sarnia Sting, for use of a derogatory term directed at a teammate.

UPDATE: DeAngelo has been suspended three games, per Rule 40.4, referenced above. He forfeits $14,388.90 in salary.