Darnell Nurse may face disciplinary action from the NHL.
The Edmonton Oilers defenseman is scheduled for an NHL hearing on Tuesday night after being ejected from Monday`s game against the Los Angeles Kings for an illegal cross-check to Quinton Byfield`s head.
Nurse received a five-minute major penalty for the incident, which occurred midway through the second period, and was ejected from the game that resulted in a 5-0 loss for Edmonton.
During a scrum in front of goalie Calvin Pickard while the Oilers were killing a five-on-three penalty, Nurse appeared to slam Byfield to the ice before cross-checking him near the back of his head.
Byfield remained on the ice for a few moments before getting up and skating off. He was placed in concussion protocol during the second intermission.
Referees assessed a major penalty and misconduct on the ice, which were confirmed upon review.
The Oilers` playing style in the game seemingly caught the attention of Kings forward Phillip Danault, who was outspoken in an interview between the second and third periods.
“I think they just have their B squad in trying to hurt us,” Danault told Kings reporter Patrick O`Neal.
Oilers forward Corey Perry dismissed this notion after the game.
Tristan Blackwood