Maple Leafs centre Nazem Kadri suspended for rest of first round

The Toronto Maple Leafs will have to do without Nazem Kadri for the rest of their first-round playoff series with the Boston Bruins.

The centre has been suspended for the rest of the series by the NHL following his cross-check to the head of Boston winger Jake DeBrusk in the third period of the Bruins’ 4-1 victory in Game 2 on Saturday.

Kadri was offered an in-person hearing by the NHL, meaning the league had the option to suspend him for more than five games.

He laid the vicious cross-check after DeBrusk hit Patrick Marleau into the curved glass at the end of the bench.

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It’s the fifth suspension of Kadri’s career.

The series is tied 1-1 with Game 3 happening Monday night at Scotiabank Arena.