Los Angeles Kings forward Blake Lizotte was suspended for one game on Sunday by the NHL's Department for Player Safety for cross-checking Winnipeg Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey in the face.
The incident occurred during the second period of the Kings' 4-1 victory at home Saturday afternoon.
Morrissey and Lizotte had been hooking and slashing at each other, and the Jets all-star rearguard told reporters after the game he was expecting to drop the gloves when he was hit in the face.
“It was a careless play," said Morrissey, who required multiple stitches to his chin and mouth. "I thought we were going to go and took a cross-check to the chin.
"It could have been my teeth, so thankfully not.”
Lizotte received a five-minute match penalty, and Pierre-Luc Dubois scored the Jets' lone goal of the game during the ensuing power play.
“It’s a dirty play," Dubois told reporters. "It’s as simple as that, it’s a dirty play. Even if it was in the chest, it’s a dirty play. ... That’s not what anyone wants to see.”
Los Angeles (42-20-10) has now earned points in 11 consecutive games, tying its franchise record, and hosts the St. Louis Blues on Sunday night.
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