Oilers' Darnell Nurse likely facing suspension for check on Quinton Byfield
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The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings faced off in a pre-playoff game, and Darnell Nurse was ejected for a cross check on Quinton Byfield that will likely warrant a suspension.
Nurse delivered a punishing cross check to the head of Quinton Byfield from behind, sending the Kings forward to the ice hard. The Oilers defender was given a 5 minute penalty and a game misconduct.
Darnell Nurse likely to face suspension for hit on Quinton Byfield
Nurse's cross check was a clear dirty play that has been suspend-able from NHL Player Safety in the past, and it's very likely he'll earn a look for this hit.
Both Kings and Oilers fans alike have seen cross checks like this before, and already know that Nurse should receive a suspension, likely for only one game.
Nurse's cross check was absolutely predatory, from behind, and in the area of Byfield's head and neck. It's absolutely a dirty play, and will be a suspension - but it will not stretch into the playoffs.
Previous suspensions for similar cross checks will serve as precedent for Nurse's discipline. Connor McDavid was suspended 3 games this season for a cross check on Connor Garland, but Nurse shouldn't be expected to get that much with playoffs looming.
Byfield has since been ruled out of the rest of the game with injury, which won't help Nurse's case.
Oilers and Kings game gets chippy before 4th straight playoff matchup
As a pre-playoff matchup, tonight's game between the Kings and Oilers has been a chippy affair as teams look to soften each other up before meeting again next week.
The Oilers perhaps made a smart move to scratch Connor McDavid for precautionary reasons. If he was in the lineup too, the Kings may have been hunting him down.
Hopefully Byfield is okay after this brutal check, and both teams will be as close to fully healthy as possible for another electric first round playoff series.
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