The Edmonton Oilers have their backs against the wall with their first-round series against the Kings set to return to Los Angeles for Game 6. Trailing 3-2, the Oilers were dealt a devastating blow from the NHL Department of Player Safety following Tuesday night's loss. The league has opted to suspend star defender Darnell Nurse for one game after his dangerous and dirty hit on Phillip Danault in the waning moments of the second period.

Nurse's frustrations boiled over on Tuesday night while the Oilers struggled to claw back against the Kings. Late in the second period, Nurse could be seen delivering a brutal headbutt to Danault, seemingly out of nowhere. No penalty was called on the play, though the hot-headed defender hasn't escaped punishment.

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The absence of Nurse will be a crippling blow for the Oilers, who cannot afford to lose in Los Angeles on Thursday night. He's the team's highest-paid defender and has been one of their key players throughout the year. Without his presence in the back-line on Thursday, Edmonton will struggle to contain the likes of Anze Kopitar, Adrian Kempe, Trevor Moore, and Co.

This is the first time Nurse has been suspended since 2016, but despite not being a repeat offender, the league felt that his actions from Tuesday warranted a one-game ban. And it's a crucial game, considering a loss would spell yet another first-round exit for McDavid, Draisaitl, and the Oilers.

The 27-year-old former first-round pick has two points in the series against the Kings, scoring one goal and assisting another. He recorded 35 points in 71 games during the regular season.