Los Angeles Kings forward Jarret Stoll has been suspended one game by the NHL following a hit-from-behind incident on Thursday against the Sharks.
The punishment was assessed after Stoll had a telephone hearing with NHL senior vice-president Colin Campbell on Friday afternoon.
"Obviously I'm disappointed with the decision but I respect it," said Stoll on his twitter account.
Late in the first period of Game 1, players were battling for the puck behind San Jose's net when Stoll hit Sharks defenceman Ian White into the boards from behind with a shoulder to the back. White's head struck the glass and he fell to his knees.
The play was whistled down seconds later as White struggled to his feet, but no penalty was called on the play. He skated slowly to the bench, and was helped to the dressing room with a cut to his face. White did not return to the game.
Seconds after the puck was dropped following the injury delay, Kyle Clifford of the Kings and Ben Eager of the Sharks dropped their gloves for a fight.
The Sharks won the game 3-2 in overtime to take a 1-0 series lead. Stoll will miss Game 2 on Saturday in San Jose, and will be eligible to return when the series returns to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Tuesday.
To replace Stoll, the Kings recalled forward John Zeiler from the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL.
