COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been suspended one game for an illegal check to the head against Blue Jackets forward Josh Anderson.

“It is also important to note that the head contact on this play is avoidable,” said NHL Player Safety. “While hits from the side are not illegal, they are difficult to execute legally. In this case, while we accept McAvoy’s argument that  he is not intentionally attempting to hit Anderson in the head, he takes an angle of approach that cuts along the front of Anderson’s body than through the near shoulder and core.”

NHL Player Safety pointed out that McAvoy then elevated his shoulder up and into the head of Anderson rather than staying low.

McAvoy served a two-minute minor penalty for the hit during Monday’s game at Nationwide Arena.

The Blue Jackets were eliminated from the playoffs during the 3-0 loss to the Bruins. The Bruins face the Carolina Hurricanes in the third round.