Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane suspended one game by NHL after check on Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri

EDMONTON, Alberta — Forward Evander Kane has been suspended one game for boarding Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final on Saturday.

The Edmonton Oilers left wing will miss Game 4 of the series on Monday, when the Avalanche, who hold a 3-0 series lead, can complete a sweep and secure a berth in the Stanley Cup Final.

Kane was assessed a five-minute major for the penalty in Game 3 but was not given a game misconduct for his actions. Kadri left following the hit and would not return. He suffered a broken right thumb on the play, and Colorado coach Jared Bednar said Kadri will miss «at least» the remainder of the series against Edmonton.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety held a hearing with Kane on Sunday and released their verdict of a one-game ban that same day. The league cited Kane's history — three previous suspensions and two fines — as factors in their final ruling.

«It is important to note that this is not a scenario in which Kadri puts himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to the hit in a way that turns a legal check into an illegal one,» the NHL explained with its decision. «While we acknowledge that Kadri positions himself in front of Kane to shield the puck, this action is not a sudden or sharp movement that changes the nature of Kane's hit in a way that he cannot control. And while we acknowledge Kane's argument that Kadri loses his footing as he approaches the boards, we believe that this is a direct result of the shove and is not an unavoidable occurrence that causes an unfortunate accident. The shove is delivered at a dangerous distance from the boards while the two players are traveling at speed and causes an injury.»

Kane spoke with the media