Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Kyle Clifford was suspended one game by the NHL Department of Player Safety for boarding Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ross Colton on Monday.
Clifford received a five-minute major and game misconduct after he caught Colton with a late hit from behind in the first period of Game 1.
Kyle Clifford has received a major and game misconduct for boarding on his hit on Ross Colton. #LeafsForever | #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/HS4FKaQYjh
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 2, 2022
Colton suffered a gash on his nose from the hit but he stayed in the contest.
Toronto managed to kill off Tampa Bay's ensuing five-minute power play.
Clifford's presence in the lineup was a controversial decision by head coach Sheldon Keefe, who opted to scratch popular veteran Jason Spezza.
The 31-year-old Clifford recorded one goal, two assists, and 31 penalty minutes in 23 games with the Leafs this season. This is the first suspension of his career.
