Leafs' Kadri 'already committed to the hit' when Wingels went down

Nazem Kadri knows his fate is in the hands of the NHL's Department of Player Safety.

The Toronto Maple Leafs center was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for boarding Tommy Wingels during Thursday's Game 1 against the Boston Bruins, and while he acknowledged it'll be reviewed by the league, he argued there wasn't much he could do to avoid it.

"It's out of my control at this point," Kadri said, per TSN's Mark Masters. "I certainly wasn't trying to hit him when he was down like that. I was already committed to the hit. If he's still standing up, there's nothing wrong with that."

Related: Poll - How many games should Kadri get for his hit on Wingels?

Kadri added he was reacting to Wingels' hit on Mitch Marner moments earlier.

"Initially, I felt like he made contact with Mitchy's head and I didn't see a call there. He was turned up the wall so I was committed to the hit and he ended up falling. It happened quick and he was reaching for the puck. I don't think I stuck my leg or arm out."

Here's another look at the play in question:

Game 2 is set for Saturday in Boston, and Kadri may or may not be available, and the same goes for Wingels, according to Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy.

Bruce Cassidy said Tommy Wingels is still being evaluated. Said he agreed with the 5 minute major and the rest is up to the league

- Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) April 13, 2018

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