The Sharks' preseason finale did not go according to plan.
San Jose dropped the contest to the division rival Golden Knights and Evander Kane was ejected late in the game for abuse of an official, but perhaps the biggest loss could come in the form of a possible suspension now looming over Kane.
After getting tied up with Vegas defenseman Deryk Engelland, Kane slashed him with linesman Kiel Murchison in the vicinity before skating away. Following the slash, Murchison intervened by grabbing Kane and taking him to the ice. This prompted the Sharks' forward to push back against the official once the two were back on their skates.
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The ejection took place at 12:51 of the third period.
Evander Kane gets ejected in his last preseason game for "abuse of officials." pic.twitter.com/OAKcqPWf2I
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) September 30, 2019
"I get kicked out of the game for getting jumped from behind by a referee," Kane said following the loss. "I've never seen a ref take five strides. If you look at his face, he's getting all this power and he's trying to drive me into the ice, which is what he did. That's unbelievable. Talk about abuse of an official? How about abuse of a player? It's an absolute joke."
Abuse of official ejections are generally followed by a 10-game suspension, meaning Kane would miss the first 10 games of the 2019-20 regular season. This decision will fall at the discretion of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
E. Kane’s abuse of an official penalty generally carries an automatic 10 game suspension. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will have to confirm and officially enforce the suspension. Unlikely to happen before tomorrow.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 30, 2019
The opening stretch in which the 28-year-old winger would miss due to suspension includes five games against four different playoff teams from last season.
The first two games are against the Golden Knights in a home-and-home sequence starting in Vegas on Oct. 2 at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Losing Evander Kane for 10 games to start the season is just about the last thing the Sharks need. We already know they’re thin up front and he’s been on Hertl’s LW all camp. Schedule is not easy in October, either, with all the travel.
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzNHL) September 30, 2019