Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb was suspended for one postseason game following an interference infraction that injured Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Poehling on Tuesday in Game 5 of the clubs' second-round Western Conference playoff series.
The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced the decision Wednesday.
McNabb will serve the suspension in Game 6 on Thursday, when the Golden Knights will try to eliminate the Ducks and advance to their fourth Western Conference final in the franchise's nine-year history. It's the first suspension of McNabb's 14-year career.
McNabb's ban stems from a late hit on Poehling nine minutes into the first period of Tuesday's game. Because Poehling was hurt, McNabb was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct. Poehling had to be helped off the ice by teammates and a trainer after appearing to hit his head on the glass. His status for the remainder of the series remains unknown.
Vegas went on to win 3-2 in overtime.
The Department of Player Safety noted in its decision that because Poehling released the puck well before McNabb's hit, the defender had "sufficient time to avoid [contact]" but instead finished the check with "considerable force" that merited supplemental discipline.
McNabb's absence will considerably weaken the Golden Knight's blue line for Game 6. He averages almost 21 minutes per game in the postseason and takes on the tough matchups at 5-on-5 and the penalty kill. McNabb also leads Vegas' defenders in hits through the playoffs with 23.
Dylan Coghlan and Ben Hutton, who usually make up the Golden Knights' third pairing, filled in for McNabb on Tuesday. Kaedan Korczak, who suited up in Vegas' first eight playoff games but has been a healthy scratch in the past three outings, projects to slot in for McNabb on Thursday.
Puck drop for Game 6 on Thursday is 9:30 p.m. ET.
