On April 28, 1993, the Washington Capitals lost to the New York Islanders in Game 6 of the Patrick Division Semifinals, eliminating them from the playoffs. A significant event overshadowing the game was Dale Hunter's late hit on Pierre Turgeon, resulting in Turgeon's injury and a 21-game suspension for Hunter. Turgeon expressed surprise at Hunter's aggression since they had no prior issues. He missed the first six games of the second round but wanted to be present on the bench during Game 7 against the Penguins.
I knew right away, I got up, I fell on my shoulder, it was just not attached. I was surprised by Hunter's aggression because I hadn't had any problems or altercations with him earlier in the series.
Hunter was handed a 21-game suspension from the league as a result, which at the time was the longest for an on-ice incident in NHL history.
Turgeon missed Games 1-6 of New York's second-round series with the top-seeded Pittsburgh Penguins but insisted he return to the bench for the deciding Game 7, even if he didn't play.
I asked [head coach] Al Arbour to dress [me] on Game 7 and he said, 'Are you good to play?' I said, 'No, but I just want to be on the bench, some guys are not playing well.'
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