Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Nikita Nesterov could be hearing from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety after he was ejected from Thursday’s game against the Dallas Stars.
Late in the second period, Nesterov hit Stars winger Curtis McKenzie from behind into the boards near centre ice. Nesterov was given five minutes and a game misconduct for checking from behind. The Stars scored once on the extended power play.
McKenzie, who was helped off the ice after writhing in pain, suffered what the Stars are calling a lower-body injury did not return to the game.
So, we ask…