Vancouver Canucks defenceman Nikita Zadorov was ejected from Tuesday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights after being given a five-minute major and game misconduct for boarding forward Brett Howden.
The hit came with 9.1 seconds remaining in the first period, with Zadorov chasing Howden behind the Canucks' net before delivering a hit that drove the Golden Knights centre's head into the boards.
The six-foot-six defenceman received a two-game suspension in February for an illegal check to the head of Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond.
Zadorov was acquired by the Canucks from the Calgary Flames on Nov. 30, 2023, and has scored five goals and 12 points with 77 penalty minutes in 46 games with Vancouver.
The ejection Tuesday was his second penalty of the game after being called for high sticking earlier in the period.
The Canucks trailed Vegas 4-1 at the end of the opening 20 minutes.
Vancouver entered the game with a 46-20-8 record and five points up on the Edmonton Oilers for the top spot in the Pacific Division.
You can watch the rest of the game on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
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