Arizona Coyotes forward Nick Ritchie has been suspended one game for slashing Anaheim Ducks defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk during Friday's contest, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Saturday.
Right as time expired on the opening period of the Coyotes' 5-0 loss, Ritchie checked the veteran blue-liner into the boards, and Shattenkirk responded by shoving the winger. Ritchie then struck Shattenkirk in the face with his stick.
The Department of Player Safety noted that although Ritchie didn't use much force, the slash was controlled and purposeful.
Ritchie has been suspended once and fined three times in his 400-game NHL career. He was banned two games for roughing in 2017.
He'll forfeit $12,500 in salary.
