Nikita Nesterov Suspended for Two Games

The Lightning opened the scoring at 2:24 of the first on a goal from Steven Stamkos, assisted by Jonathan Drouin.

Stars winger Curtis McKenzie was driven into the boards Thursday by Tampa Bay’s Nikita Nesterov and collapsed in obvious pain.

Nesterov, who was assessed a major penalty for checking from behind and a game misconduct, will forfeit $7,983.88.

The incident occurred in the second period, moments after Stars captain Jamie Benn knocked Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman out of the game with a late hit of his own. Nesterov was suspended two games for the hit. McKenzie was recalled from Dallas of the AHL on Wednesday after RW Patrick Eaves went on injured reserve Wednesday with a lower body injury…. When the dust settled McKenzie struggled to get up before being taken to the hospital, and Nesterov was ejected. 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.