Leafs' Clifford suspended 1 game for hit on Lightning's Colton

TORONTO, ON - MAY 2: Jan Rutta #44 of the Tampa Bay Lightning retaliates against Kyle Clifford #43 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during Game One of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 2, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Claus Andersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

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.