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Carter: Keith suspension would be ‘huge loss’ for Chicago

KeithCarter

of Game Three of the Western Conference Final during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center on June 4, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

Harry How

Jeff Carter wasn’t saying much in the wake of yesterday’s Duncan Keith high-stick, but did acknowledge how significant a suspension would hurt the Blackhawks.

“If he does get suspended, it’s a huge loss for their team,” the Kings forward said on Wednesday. “He’s a big part of their team. But there’s nothing we can do about it.”

Carter said he sustained some free dental work (one chipped tooth, two cracked) and approximately 20 stitches in his chin thanks to Keith’s stick-work during a 3-1 Kings win on Tuesday:

The ‘Hawks defenseman was given a high-sticking double minor for the incident, and finished his disciplinary hearing with the NHL -- conducted via telephone -- around 2pm ET.

Keith has a history of supplementary discipline. The 29-year-old was suspended five games last March for an elbow to the head of Vancouver’s Daniel Sedin.

“It was accidental,” Keith said of his high stick on Carter. “I wanted to give him a tap but not where I got him. I felt bad.”

Keith also apologized to Carter following the chop, but it doesn’t sound as though Carter was too keen on hearing it.

“It is what it is,” Carter said. “It’s over with. We’ve got a big game -- I’m not too worried about the incident.”