Hawks Keith suspended for game four vs Kings

The Blackhawks will be without one of their top players for Game 4 of the Western Conference finals on Thursday.The NHL announced Wednesday that defenseman Duncan Keith has been suspended one game for his slash on Los Angeles Kings forward Jeff Carter during the Blackhawks’ Game 3 loss Tuesday.When announcing the suspension (as seen in the video above) Brendan Shanahan said it was more serious than a player having to simply be responsible for his stick and that it was not accidental or a defensive high stick to an opponent — it was retaliation. Shortly before the high-sticking incident, Carter took a swing with his stick at Keith’s hand after his glove had fallen off. Keith said he didn’t intend to hit Carter in the face, but did admit to swinging his stick at him.Carter needed more than 20 stitches and had damage done to several teeth as a result of the hit.The Blackhawks still have a 2-1 lead in the series.