An ugly incident in what was a fantastic game to watch last night, as San Jose Sharks defenceman Ian White takes a bit of an elbow from behind from Los Angeles Kings centre Jarret Stoll and had to leave the game.
White played only six minutes because of the hit and Stoll got off without even a penalty, but he does have a supplemental discipline hearing over the phone with the league later this afternoon.
With Anze Kopitar out of the lineup, Stoll's an important player for the Kings (he played almost 23 minutes in last night's 3-2 overtime loss). White's status for tomorrow's Game 2 isn't yet known.
For some reason, hits from behind haven't been called nearly as often as they should in recent years in the NHL, but that's one crack down that should continue. I doubt many are up in arms if Stoll misses a game or two.
"It was disappointing that it was missed on the ice," Sharks coach Todd McLellan told the San Jose Mercury News last night, "but it's in somebody else's hands now, and the league takes it very seriously.
"We'll see how he is in the morning," he added. "He's obviously not feeling very good."
UPDATE Stoll has been suspended one game by the NHL.