Lightning’s Boyle will not have hearing for hit on Hickey

Isles' Jack Capuano says Boyle's hit on Hickey was clearly a suspendable head shot and Lightning's Jon Cooper says it was mild.

The NHL has decided against having a hearing with Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brian Boyle for his high hit on New York Islanders defenceman Thomas Hickey in overtime of Game 3 Tuesday night.

The 6-foot-7 Boyle finished his check on Hickey less than three minutes into the extra frame, making significant contact with Hickey’s head. Boyle scored the winning goal to give Tampa Bay a 2-1 series lead just 10 seconds later, with Hickey unable to get back in the play.

Islanders head coach Jack Capuano said after the game he expected Boyle to be suspended.

The league also decided no supplemental discipline was needed for Hickey, who laid a massive hit on Tampa forward Jonathan Drouin in the second period.

Drouin had to leave the game but did return to set up the tying goal with less than a minute remaining in the third.

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