Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has been suspended three games under the NHL's aggressor rule after an incident with Roman Polak of the San Jose Sharks, the league has announced.
As the video shows, Nurse received a minor penalty for roughing and a five-minute major for fighting Polak late in Tuesday's game in Edmonton.
In the league's view, Nurse's actions - which included eight punches - served as a "gross violation" of the aggressor rule as an attempt to inflict punishment on an unwilling participant or opponent in a defenseless position.
On top of that, the NHL believes Nurse's actions were in direct response to a hit levied by Polak on teammate Matt Hendricks earlier in the period.
"We want to stand up for teammates, but I think Darnell went about it the wrong way and probably took it a little too far," said head coach Todd McLellan. "He's got to learn how to manage situations and control his emotions, but the fact he's willing to step up is something we like."
The Oilers will not appeal the suspension.
This is Nurse's first NHL suspension.
(Video courtesy: NHL.com)
