NHL Player Safety makes decision on Darnell Nurse cross check against Quinton Byfield
Photo credit: Imagn Images
According to insider Chris Johnston, Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse will have a hearing with NHL Player Safety today to be suspended for checking Quinton Byfield.
In the second period of last night's game between the Oilers and Kings, Nurse delivered a cross check to the back of the head of Byfield, and was ejected.
The official decision on the length of his suspension is expected to come later today.
UPDATE: Department of Player Safety has suspended Darnell Nurse for one game.
NHL makes decision on suspending Darnell Nurse
It was quite an ugly hit from Nurse. In a scrum in front of the net, the Oilers defenceman came from behind and played the cross check to the back of the head on Byfield.
Nurse was rightfully given a 5 minute major and an ejection for the cross check. The Oilers were then forced to finish the game short two players out of their lineup.
Quinton Byfield also sustained an injury on the play, and was ruled out by the Kings. Just a few days away from the playoffs, losing Byfield could be a huge injury for the Kings.
Darnell Nurse should get one game suspension for hit on Byfield
Similar high cross checks have routinely been suspended throughout the NHL, with most of the sentences being a 1-3 game suspension. Connor McDavid was suspended 3 games for a high cross check on Connor Garland.
The Oilers only have one regular season game left, so if Nurse is suspended beyond 1 game, Edmonton could be in even more trouble for Game 1 of the playoffs.
The NHL does consider suspensions in playoff games to be worth significantly more than regular season ones, so hopefully Nurse only gets a one game suspension.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 15 | 967 ANSWERS NHL Player Safety makes decision on Darnell Nurse cross check against Quinton Byfield How many games do you think Nurse will receive? | ||
| 1 | 720 | 74.5 % |
| 2 | 127 | 13.1 % |
| 3 games or more | 120 | 12.4 % |
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