Blackhawks' Keith ejected for violent stick-swinging incident

Duncan Keith will likely be hearing from the NHL's Department of Player Safety after this one.

The Chicago Blackhawks defenseman received a match penalty for intending to injure after swinging his stick at Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle's face.

With Brent Seabrook sidelined due to illness, Keith's ejection marked a first for the Blackhawks.

The #Blackhawks have never played without both Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook since they entered the NHL in 2005-06.

- Mark Potash (@MarkPotash) March 30, 2016

Coyle left to receive medical attention but was able to return later in the opening period.

A match penalty, if not rescinded by the NHL, carries an automatic one-game suspension, meaning Keith would be ruled out of Friday's game against Winnipeg. Based on his track record, however, it could very well be longer.

Source: NHL Dept. of Player Safety reviewing Duncan Keith stick swinging incident. He's been suspended before for high sticking. #Blackhawks

- Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) March 30, 2016

Keith was suspended one game back in the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs for a similar incident involving Los Angeles' Jeff Carter.

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