Key Takeaways:
- Edmonton Oilers player Evander Kane has been suspended for one postseason game after boarding Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri.
- The collision happened at 1:06 of the first period of Game 3 of the Western Conference final, which the Oilers lost 4-2.
- The Avalanche leads the best-of-seven series 3-0. The fourth and final game will be contested in Edmonton on Monday night.
After boarding Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri, Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane has indeed been suspended for one playoff game.
Following a hearing, the National Hockey League’s player security department confirmed the decision Sunday afternoon.
The hit occurred at 1:06 of the first period of Game 3 of the Western Conference final, which the Oilers eventually lost 4-2.
When a wayward puck bounced off Kadri’s stick, the Avalanche rushed into the Oilers’ zone. When Kane raised his stick and whacked Kadri from behind, the Avs forward rushed toward the boards to grab possession.
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Kane was called for boarding and given a five-minute major penalty, claiming he was “coming in on the backcheck.”
“The puck sailed wide and into the corner. I was simply trying to get a bump on (Kadri) since I know he likes to reverse hit, “The forward for the Edmonton Oilers continued. “That was the extent of my involvement. Unfortunately, he stumbled against the boards and injured his hands. But that was a mistake.”
The NHL Department of Player Safety stated, “This shove is delivered at a dangerous distance from the boards when the two players are traveling at speed and risks an injury.”
“(Kadri) isn’t here anymore. He’ll be gone for the remainder of the season, if not longer, “Colorado’s head coach, Jared Bednar, revealed. “In hockey, the hit is the most deadly play. (Kane) slams him into the boards from behind, eight feet away. That’s all I’ve got to say about it.”
In these playoffs, Kane, 30, has 17 points (13 goals, four assists) in 15 games. During the regular season, he scored 39 points (22 goals, 17 assists) in 43 games.
In the best-of-seven series, the Avalanche is up 3-0. The fourth and final game will be played in Edmonton on Monday night.
Kane has been suspended four times in his 812-game NHL career.
Source: CTV News
