Lightning D Nikita Nesterov suspended 2 games for boarding

Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Nikita Nesterov is expected to face the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for his hit from behind on Dallas Stars forward Curtis Mckenzie.

Nesterov knocked McKenzie out of the game.

Nesterov, who is in his second season with the Lightning, has played in two of the team’s five games this year, accounting for 29 minutes on the ice.

In explaining the suspension, the Department of Player Safety stated “the onus was entirely on Nesterov to avoid the check or, at the very least, minimize it” since McKenzie’s back was to him.

Nesterov will be eligible to return to action next Friday night.

Dallas recalled McKenzie Tuesday after placing forward Patrick Eaves on IR, also with a lower-body injury. Drafted in the first round of the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Koekkoek spent three games during the regular season in 2014-2015 with Tampa Bay; although this would be his first game with the National Hockey League club this year, it’s unlikely to be his last.