Ruff: 'No intent' by Eakin to run Lundqvist

It was an accident.

That's the side of the story of Dallas Stars forward Cody Eakin, who was tossed from Thursday's match against the New York Rangers after running over netminder Henrik Lundqvist.

In the middle of the first period, Lundqvist was playing the puck behind the net when he was charged by Eakin, who was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct on the play.

Stars coach Lindy Ruff stood behind Eakin following the game.

"There was no intent," Ruff told reporters following the 2-0 loss. "As a penalty killer, he's trying to gain speed so he can get back. He chose the route. I watched the play, Henrik was off the wall originally, and I think he just sort of mishandled it for a second and when he went to go play it, he went into the wall.

"Cody said he was just trying to jump by him," Ruff added. "I know it doesn't look that way, but there was no intent on his part."

Related: Vigneault: NHL 'better do something' about Eakin's hit on Lundqvist