Douglas Murray gets match penalty for head shot on Michael Kostka

Scary scene in the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday night, as Michael Kostka took a head-shot from Habs defenseman Douglas Murray late in the third period.

Here’s the hit, which kept Kostka flat on his back for several moments, and had the stretcher out for him before he skated off on his own:

Murray was given a match penalty at 17:47 of the third period and was ejected, and will certainly receive more from the Dept. of Player Safety after this one is reviewed. Murray has never been suspended previously.

Beat writer Damian Cristodero reports that Kostka is being evaluated but was up and around the Bolts’ locker room after the game.

If and when Murray is suspended, it’ll be the second time this season Kostka’s been in the receiving end of an illegal play. Teemu Pulkkinen of the Red Wings was given four preseason games for boarding him in Sept. 2013.

Interesting times for the Habs and Bolts, who will meet in the first round of the playoffs.

UPDATE: Murray will have a phone hearing with the DoPS on Thursday morning.