Max Pacioretty faces NHL hearing after boarding call on Ryan McDonagh (VIDEO)

UPDATE: Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet writes that Pacioretty won't receive any supplemental discipline for the hit.

The New York Rangers not only lost to the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night, but two of their blueliners left the game early, adding even more stress to their 8-7-2 start.

Late in the game, Dan Girardi took a P.K. Subban slap shot to the ankle and needed to be helped off the ice. Rangers head coach coach John Tortorella didn't update the media on Girardi's condition after the game, but according to TSN's Bob McKenzie X-rays were negative. But Tortorella did take issue with this Max Pacioretty hit on Ryan McDonagh midway through the second period, which knocked the defenseman from the game:

The NHL announced on Sunday morning that Pacioretty will have a phone hearing at 4 p.m. ET. The Canadiens forward was given a boarding minor, but could end up with more as the Department of Player Safety "will be examining boarding and/or charging infractions as the basis for potential Supplemental Discipline".

Tortorella, never one to be shy, asked the media postgame about Pacioretty leaving his feet to deliver the hit:

Watching the video, you see Pacioretty stop his stride as he approaches McDonagh, but the Rangers defenseman never makes a sudden turn toward the boards, his numbers are always facing the Habs forward. But Pacioretty driving his check (does he get his elbow up, too?) and not tying McDonagh up is likely what ups this to potential supplementary discipline.

Then there's also the possibility that this was potential retaliation for a hit by McDonagh on Pacioretty five minutes earlier, which CBC's Gary Galley referenced:

Pacioretty does have a history with the DOPS having been suspended three games last season for a hit to the head of Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang.

Will Pacioretty receive a Shanaban? If so, how many games?

Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy