Jan 11, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Kyle Clifford (43) warms up before the game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Maple Leafs' Kyle Clifford suspended for Game 2 vs. Lightning

By Adam Stites | Last updated 5/3/22

Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Kyle Clifford will miss Game 2 of a series against the Tampa Bay Lightning after he was suspended one game by the NHL for boarding.

Clifford, 31, received a five-minute major and a game misconduct Monday night during the first period of the Maple Leafs' 5-0 win when he sent the Lightning's Ross Colton into the boards with a blindside hit.

Kyle Clifford has received a major and game misconduct for boarding on his hit on Ross Colton. #LeafsForever | #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/HS4FKaQYjh
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 2, 2022

"After Colton releases the puck, Clifford approaches from behind and -- having seen nothing but Colton's numbers for some time -- delivers a forceful check to the defenseless Colton, driving him dangerously into the boards," the league announced in a video explaining the punishment.

The Maple Leafs acquired Clifford in a trade with the St. Louis Blues, reuniting him with the team he played for during the tail end of the 2019-20 NHL season. But Clifford played sparingly during the regular season, appearing in only 23 games, scoring one goal and accruing 31 penalty minutes.

Game 2 between the Maple Leafs and Lightning is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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