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Nesterov to have hearing over hit from behind

Lightning defenseman Nikita Nesterov will have a hearing today with the NHL's department of player safety to determine whether he'll face supplemental discipline for his hit-from-behind on Curtis McKenzie Thursday night.

Nesterov received a five-minute penalty and game misconduct after his hit on McKenzie, who was pushed into the boards. McKenzie was in a vulnerable position, his back turned to Nesterov, and suffered a lower-body injury. Stars coach Lindy Ruff said McKenzie was taken to the hospital and was in "excruciating pain."

Stars center Jason Spezza called it a "pretty dirty hit." When asked, coach Jon Cooper said his opinion was "irrelevant.