Leafs' Kadri: Suspension warranted, but 'definitely a little harsh'

Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri didn't disagree with being suspended for a dangerous hit from behind on Boston's Tommy Wingels, but he didn't expect to be out of the lineup until Game 5.

"Was it worthy of a suspension? I definitely think so. But I think the three games was definitely a little harsh," Kadri said Friday, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton.

"I was disappointed; I wasn't expecting (three games), that's for sure," he added. "That particular play, I felt a liberty had been taken on Mitch (Marner). I'm always going to stand up for my teammates, stand up for myself; that part isn't going to change."

Here's the play in question, including the preceding hit by Wingels on Marner that Kadri said was the impetus for his actions.

The Leafs went 1-2 in games without Kadri and find themselves in a 3-1 series hole as he gets set to return to the lineup for Game 5. Clearly, he's hoping his postseason will be remembered for more than the suspension.

Nazem Kadri on #Leafs approach to series down 3-1: "You have to believe, that's the most important thing. You have to trust in one another. This would definitely make for a great story, so we're going to approach it game by game."

- Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) April 20, 2018

Game 5 is set for Saturday in Boston.

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