Sharks' Joe Thornton suspended for Game 4 for head hit

LAS VEGAS — San Jose Sharks centre Joe Thornton has been suspended for one playoff game for a hit to the head of Vegas' Tomas Nosek.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety said Monday that Thornton's hit on Nosek in Game 3 was avoidable and that the head was "clearly the main point of contact." That led to the decision to suspend Thornton for Game 4 on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.

Vegas won the game 6-3 and holds a 2-1 series lead.

Thornton was called for an illegal check to the head on the play and defended it after the game. He has a goal and two assists in the series.

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The Associated Press