Ottawa Senators forward Mathieu Joseph said he was made a healthy scratch before Wednesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins because of the “consequences” of a “mistake” he made.
“I did a mistake and I was ready to assume the consequences of it,” Joseph told The Athletic’s Ian Mendes on Thursday. “This (is) on me, and it’s my responsibility. I know I can do better and I will.”
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Senators head coach D.J. Smith confirmed on Thursday that Joseph was scratched for a “non-hockey reason.”
Joseph and Smith wanted to keep the full details of the incident internal but seemed in good spirits during Thursday’s media session, Mendes reported.
On Wednesday, neither Joseph or Smith would comment as to why he was made a healthy scratch.
The scratch was especially confusing because, according to Penguins reporter Taylor Haase, the Josephs had roughly 50 friends and family members going to Ottawa for the game.
Smith confirmed that Joseph will return to the lineup on Friday during the Senators’ rematch against the Penguins.
Joseph, who has not played since Dec. 8, has two goals and seven assists in 25 games this season.
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