Video: Milan Lucic Cross-Checks Maxim Lapierre In the Head

UPDATE: Lucic Suspended for game 3

In Saturday's recap of Boston's 5-1 dismantling of Montreal, we made mention of the fact Milan Lucic was given a game misconduct as a result of his cross-check to the head of Montreal's Maxim Lapierre. As it turns out, he was actually issued a match penalty which means he is suspended until a disciplinary hearing is held.

Here's the video, with the cross-check coming about 50 seconds in:

The NHL has made it perfectly clear that it's trying to cut down on "message sending" late in games that have already been decided. Philadelphia's Daniel Carcillo, for example, was issued a one-game suspension for his shot to the head of Penguins forward Max Talbot late in game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series.

With Boston dominating the game -- and the series -- Lucic wasn't "sending a message" here. Instead, he simply reacted to Lapierre charging at him during a late-game skirmish, and gave the Canadiens forward a rather harsh blow to the head. That's not to say he's totally innocent here, just that he wasn't out there to "send a message."

Lucic is best known around the league for his physical style of play -- and crushing, glass-shattering hits -- while Lapierre is no stranger to being on the receiving end of questionable hits to the head.

The series will continue on Monday, in Montreal, as the Bruins hold a commanding 2-0 lead. My guess on the NHL's review: Lucic sits out game 3, and returns for game 4 on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-4, 220-pound forward scored 17 goals to go with 25 assists during the regular season.