Beaulieu earns match penalty for cross-checking Rinaldo in the face.

Nathan Beaulieu may find himself in hot water with the NHL's Department of Player Safety today.

The Montreal Canadiens defenseman earned himself a match penalty late in Saturday's tilt between the Habs and Bruins. He was assessed a major penalty after a high cross-check on Bruins forward Zac Rinaldo. Referees determined there was intent to injure on the play.

All match penalties are automatically reviewed by the NHL's Department of Player Safety, and carry a mandatory one-game suspension pending a reversal from the league.

Beaulieu will certainly be receiving a phone call from the league today. The Canadiens may attempt to argue that Beaulieu was only trying to protect himself from Rinaldo, who has a history of delivering questionable hits.

Whether Rinaldo's suspension history will play a factor in the league's decision has yet to be seen.

Here is the incident in question.

[pub]