DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall will miss Game 7 for his hit on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov during Monday night's Game 6.
32616370
The NHL's Department of Player Safety (watch explanation video here) decided to suspend the defenseman one game for charging. He had a hearing with the league Tuesday afternoon.
Kronwall hit Kucherov late in the 2nd period of the game, which Tampa went on to win 5-2. Kronwall caught him on his blind side. His elbow appeared to make direct contact with Kucherov's head. Kucherov's helmet came off and he left the game, but he returned in the 3rd period. Kronwall was not assessed a penalty.
The Department of Player Safety explained Kronwall charged Kucherov and launched into him before making contact with his forearm to Kucherov's head.
"I didn't see it," said Lightning coach Jon Cooper after the game. "The refs didn't call anything so I guess it was legal."
Kronwall has become known for catching wingers in a vulnerable spot as they are attempting to clear their own zone. In fact, fans have come to refer to his patented hit as "Kronwalling" or "getting Kronwalled."
Before this, Kronwall had never been suspended for such a hit.
Game 7 is Wednesday night in Tampa.
Story: Mistakes cost Red Wings Game 6; Lightning stay alive
Download: Hockey in the D app