Lightning defenseman Nikita Nesterov has been suspended for two games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his check-from-behind on Dallas' Curtis McKenzie Thursday.
McKenzie suffered a lower-body injury and was on crutches today.
In a video explanation of the suspension, NHL Department of Player Safety called Nesterov's hit boarding. The issue was that all Nesterov saw was the back of McKenzie, and the onus was on him to avoid contact or minimize it. "Not only does Nesterov continue with the check, but rather than minimizing contact, he drives into McKenzie, and launches him into the boards, resulting in injury.