The NHL has reviewed a Game 1 hit by Drew Doughty, and reported by Sportsnet’s Nick Kyprios, the Kings defenseman has been suspended for one playoff game.
The hit in question was a 3rd period illegal check to the head of William Carrier. Carrier left the bench momentarily but returned before the game was over. He never re-entered the game.
Doughty will serve the suspension in Game 2 of the series. He will be eligible to return to the Kings lineup on Sunday in Los Angeles for Game 3.
As we pointed out earlier today, the NHL’s precedent on this type of hit was a two game suspension, however, there is an unwritten standard the NHL has used for years that two regular season games is equal to one playoff game. Thus, it can be viewed that Doughty earned a two game suspension and will serve it through one playoff game.
Doughty delivers a high forceful hit that makes Carrier’s head the main point of contact on a hit where such head contact was avoidable. This is an illegal check to the head. -NHL Department of Player Saftey
It is important to note that while Doughty’s first point of contact is with Carrier’s arm, the illegal check to the head rule does not take into account what the first point of contact is. Rather the rule states: A hit resulting in contact with an opponent’s head where the head was the main point of contact and such contact to the head was avoidable is not permitted. -NHL Department of Player Saftey
Here's the full transcript from William Carrier's first meeting with the media following the hit that got Drew Doughty suspended for Game 2. pic.twitter.com/4hz5FVaGd2
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) April 13, 2018
