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Rangers' John Moore faces potential discipline for illegal check

This hit in the 1st period sent Canadiens forward Dale Weise airborne. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)

New York Rangers defenseman John Moore faces a possible suspension for his illegal check to the head of Montreal Canadiens forward Dale Weise during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced.

Two Canadiens were headed toward the neutral zone in an attempt to keep the puck in the Rangers end with less than 10 minutes remaining in the game, but Moore came in quickly and hit Weise, leveling him and sending him straight to the ice. Moore also hit Weise in the first period and no penalty was called.

Moore was assessed a 10-minute match penalty for deliberate injury on the play. The Rangers lost the game 7-4, but still lead the best-of-seven series three games to two. Game 6 is Thursday night in New York.

"The league will do what it has to do," Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said. "I think he was penalized on the ice. John is definitely not the type of player to try to hurt someone, but it was a late hit and it was the right call on the ice."

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