Andrew Ference suspended 1 game by NHL for check to head of Mikhail Grabovski

A week ago, it was Los Angeles Kings captain Dustin Brown getting a suspension for initiating contact and hitting Jason Pominville in the head. On Thursday, it was Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference's turn for his check to the head of Mikhail Grabovski in Game 1 of their series against the Maple Leafs.

The hit earned Ference a 1-game ban, as handed down by the NHL:

Ference was not penalized on the play and Grabovski was no injured.

As Brendan Shanahan highlights, it's one thing for Ference to attempt to protect the puck along the boards and make contact with Grabovski; it's another to do so while lunging toward the Maple Leafs forward with his arm up and leading the way.

Targeting the head. Principle point of contact. It was a recipe for supplemental discipline, especially for a repeat-offender, which Ference is considered after his Jan. 2012 suspension.

Ference will return to the Boston lineup on Monday for Game 3 in Toronto.