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Evander Kane suspended one game for cross-check on Pierre-Edouard Bellemare

Things won’t be getting any easier for the San Jose Sharks against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 2. After being totally outplayed by the Golden Knights in a debilitating 7-0 Game 1 loss, the Sharks will now be without one of their top players as they look to tie up the series at one game apiece.

Sharks forward Evander Kane was given a game misconduct in the third period of Thursday night’s game after cross-checking Golden Knights forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare in the face. While Bellemare did manage to finish the game, he was not on the ice for practice Friday morning.

As a result, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Friday evening that Kane has been suspended for Game 2.

Kane’s suspension shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. He has a history of playing on the edge, and Bellemare’s health likely played a role in the Department of Player Safety’s decision as well.

Since being traded to San Jose from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline, Kane registered nine goals and 14 points in just 17 games as a Shark during the regular season. He’s also logged three goals and four points through five playoff games for San Jose.

Without a doubt, this is a massive blow for the Sharks as they look to even up the series.