Knights' Stephenson suspended 3 games for elbowing Kings' Bjornfot

Vegas Golden Knights forward Chandler Stephenson is suspended three games for elbowing Los Angeles Kings blue-liner Tobias Bjornfot on Wednesday, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced.

Stephenson was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for the hit. Bjornfot left the contest and didn't return.

The league's Department of Player Safety faced some scrutiny earlier this week after slapping MVP-favorite Connor McDavid with a $5,000 fine for his elbow to the head of Montreal Canadiens forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi. However, the NHL determined a key difference between the two plays.

"It is important to note that while we accept Stephenson's argument that he did not attempt to hit Bjornfot in the head, this is not a case where a blow to an opponent's torso or shoulder rides up and makes subsequent or glancing contact with his head. This is a direct and forceful elbow to an opponent's head, which caused an injury," the league said in its explanation.

Stephenson doesn't have any prior suspensions. The 26-year-old has contributed 20 points in 32 games this season while averaging over 17 minutes per contest.

Bjornfot, a first-round pick by the Kings in 2019, has registered four assists in 19 games this year.