Edmonton Oilers Defender Darnell Nurse has been given a one-game ban by the league for headbutting Los Angeles Kings forward Phillip Danault.
The incident occurred during a play The Power of Kings at the end of second period on Tuesday night. Danault was set up to potentially hit Edmonton’s net as Nurse skated and tipped his helmet with him.
Although Danault was not seriously injured, the Department of Player Safety ruled in a hearing Wednesday that Nurse’s actions were intentional and could have been avoided.
Nurse’s absence on the blue line will make things difficult for the Oilers. The veteran defender leads the Oilers with an average ice time of 21:45 per game and contributed two points (one goal, one assist) in the first series.
Edmonton is also on the brink of elimination after LA rallied to win 5-4 in extra time on Tuesday and lead the series 3-2. The Puck drop for Game 6 in LA is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on Thursday.
