The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended Darnell Nurse for one game for head-butting Kings forward Philip Danault during Game 5 on Tuesday. During Tuesday night’s game, Nurse and Danault got into it, ending in the blue liner head-butting Danault in the upper body.

Nurse’s suspension for one game is a major blow for an Edmonton team that is struggling. The Oilers’ comeback attempt in Game 5 went short, as Los Angeles’ Adrian Kempe scored the OT victory less than 90 seconds into overtime.

The Kings currently lead the series 3-2, and the Oilers must travel to Los Angeles on the verge of being eliminated. Edmonton must now try to save their season without one of its top defensemen.
After a career year in 2020-21, Nurse had a bad year in the regular season. He scored 35 points in 71 games and added two more in five postseason games.

Nurse was suspended for what reason?

Nurse was summoned to the NHL Department of Player Safety following a third-period headbutt on Danault.

There were no penalties assessed on the play.

Player Safety explained their decision to give Nurse the suspension in the video above.

“This is an unacceptable head-butt delivered with the top of the helmet directly into the opponent’s face with some force.”

When is Game 6 of the Oilers-Kings series?

Game 6 of the first-round series is on Thursday, May 12 at 10 p.m.