Detroit defenceman Niklas Kronwall suspended for one game by NHL for hit

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Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos, middle, battles for position as Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) defends with goalie Petr Mrazek (34)in the first period of Game 6 of a first-round NHL Stanley Cup hockey playoff series in Detroit Monday, April 27, 2015. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

NEW YORK, – The Detroit Red Wings will have to try advancing to the second round of the NHL playoffs without defenceman Niklas Kronwall.

Kronwall received a one-game suspension from the NHL on Tuesday for charging Tampa Bay forward Nikita Kucherov during the Lightning’s 5-2 road victory Monday night. Kronwall laid out Kucherov with a big hit in the second period that on replay showed forearm-to-head contact.

Kucherov had the puck along the right boards. Just after he made a pass, Kronwall went airborne to deliver a hit that resulted in his forearm striking Kucherov’s head.

No penalty was called on the play. Kucherov left the game but returned for the third and said he was OK.

Kronwall participated in a telephone hearing earlier Tuesday with the NHL Department of Player Safety.

The suspension means Kronwall won’t play Wednesday night when the Red Wings visit the Lightening in the seventh and deciding game of their first-round series.

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