...between a minor and major infraction is the severity of the contact, not the subsequent reaction or consequence of the play (i.e., injury, blood). The reality is that Eakin's degree of contact was pretty routine, but certainly could have warranted - IMO - a 2-minute minor penalty. I do not think the "severity of the contact" in that setting warranted a 5-minute major and game misconduct penalty.

Rule 59 – Cross-checking

59.1 Cross-checking - The action of using the shaft of the stick between the two hands to forcefully check an opponent.

59.2 Minor Penalty - A minor penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based on the severity of the contact, shall be imposed on a player who “cross checks” an opponent.

59.3 Major Penalty - A major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee based on the severity of the contact, shall be imposed on a player who “cross checks” an opponent (see 59.5).

59.4 Match Penalty – The Referee, at his discretion, may assess a match penalty if, in his judgment, the player attempted to or deliberately injured his opponent by cross-checking.

59.5 Game Misconduct Penalty - When a major penalty is assessed for cross-checking, an automatic game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on the offending player.

(my emphasis added to 59.2 and 59.3)