The Edmonton Oilers are down 3-0 in the Western Conference Finals against the Colorado Avalanche, and the team may have just been handed a death blow ahead of Game 4. Tensions flared in Game 3 after Evander Kane injured Nazem Kadri with a dirty hit less than a minute into the game. Kadri did not return to the contest and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the series. As a result of the malicious hit, Kane is set to face a one-game suspension, according to NHL Player Safety.

The NHL announced its decision to issue a one-game suspension to Kane for Boarding Kadri during the first period on Saturday. Kane was assessed a major penalty at the time after he checked Kadri into the boards, injuring the Avalanche's star forward.

The league claims that while Kadri did lose his footing before crashing into the boards, NHL Player Safety deemed it to be a result of the shove from Kane, which they deemed to be avoidable. When weighing into the decision to suspend Kane, the NHL weighed in the factor of the Boarding call, the injury to Kadri, and Kane's (rather extensive) history of facing punishment and discipline during his time in the NHL.

The loss of Kane will be a crucial blow for the Oilers, and one that may be difficult to overcome with the team already having its back against the wall. Down 3-0 to arguably the best team in hockey, the Oilers will need a miracle to turn the tides. Not having Kane, who is leading the entire NHL in playoff goals with 13, will make an upset on their home ice even more difficult to achieve.