Doughty suspended one game

Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty was suspended for one game Thursday for an illegal check to the head of Vegas Golden Knights forward William Carrier during Game 1 of the first-round playoff series.

“I thought it was a bad hit, but it’s not for me to decide,” Vegas coach Gerard Gallant said after Vegas’ 1-0 victory Wednesday night. “The referee didn’t think it was a penalty but I’m sure people will look at that hit and make a decision on it.“

Doughty will miss Game 2 tonight in Las Vegas. He delivered the blow at 9:58 of the third period, sending Carrier to the locker room for the remainder of the game.

“I thought you had two teams that played a real good hard, honest game,” Los Angeles coach John Stevens said following his team’s practice on Thursday. “That was my interpretation. I think both teams upped their intensity and both teams understand the importance of the battle on the puck and there’s usually some kind of physical confrontation that comes from that.”

Golden Knights enforcer Ryan Reaves, who was a healthy scratch for Game 1, didn’t agree with the hit.

“Obviously, it’s a hit to the head, it was pretty blatant,” Reaves said. “I don’t know if the ref maybe had a bad angle on it, but I’m sure the league will deal with it the way they need to. You never need to hit a guy in the jaw. ... If I’m in that game I’d probably try and go do something about it. Maybe I can calm that situation down.”