Darnell Nurse has been suspended for one game by NHL Department of Player Safety for head-butting Kings forward Philip Danault during Game 5 on Tuesday.
Nurse and Danault got into it during Tuesday night's contest, resulting in the blue liner head-butting Danault in the upper-body area
With Nurse suspended for one game, it is a huge blow for an Edmonton team with its back against the wall. The Oilers' comeback attempt in Game 5 fell short, as Adrian Kempe potted the overtime winner for Los Angeles less than 90 seconds into overtime.
The Kings now have a 3-2 series lead, and the Oilers have to head to Los Angeles on the brink of elimination. Edmonton now has to fight to keep its season alive without one of its top defensemen.
MORE: NHL playoff bracket 2022: Full schedule, TV channels, scores for postseason
Nurse had a down year in the regular season after a career season in 2020-21. He registered 35 points in 71 games and has added two points in the five playoff games.
Why was Nurse suspended?
Nurse has a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety after he head-butted Danault in the third period.
The two were battling in front of the Oilers' net during an offensive zone possession for the Kings. After Mike Smith made a save and the whistle blew, Nurse turned towards Danault and led with his head into Danault's upper body.
Here is the clip for #Oilers Nurse head-butting #LAKings Danault.pic.twitter.com/uKUKmFLCmZ
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 11, 2022
There were no penalties assessed on the play.
Player Safety explained their decision to give Nurse the suspension in the video above.
"This is an unacceptable head-butt delivered with the top of the helmet directly into the opponent's face with some force."
There were two head-butting suspensions issued out this season. Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich was given two games early in the season for head-butting Coyotes forward Lawson Crouse; Canadiens defenseman Chris Wideman was given a one-game suspension for head-butting Bruins forward Erik Haula in January.
When is Game 6 of the Oilers-Kings series?
Game 6 of the first-round series is set for Thursday, May 12 at 10 p.m. You can watch the game in the U.S. on TBS and in Canada on Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports.
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV channel (U.S.) | TV channel (Canada) |
| Game 6 | Kings vs. Oilers | 10 p.m. | TBS | Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports |
