LOS ANGELES – Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith says he accidentally high-sticked Los Angeles Kings forward Jeff Carter in the face in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.
Keith opened a gash on Carter's face during the Blackhawks' 3-1 loss to the defending Stanley Cup champions in Game 3 Tuesday night.
Los Angeles coach Darryl Sutter thought Keith deserved more than a double minor on the play, calling it "retaliation."
Keith clipped Carter during an exchange well behind the play in the second period. Carter took a short hack at Keith's hand while the defenseman bent down to pick up his glove, and Keith responded by skating behind Carter and sticking him in the face, dropping him to the ice.
Keith says he "felt bad" about cutting Carter's face, repeatedly calling it an accident.
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