Pearson receives 2-game ban for headshot on Davidson

Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Pearson was suspended for two regular-season games and the balance of the preseason Wednesday for a direct hit to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Brandon Davidson in Sunday's game.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety deemed that the match penalty, which injured the Oilers blue-liner, involved avoidable head contact, and that, although it may not have been intentional, the angle Pearson took toward the contact was irresponsible and dangerous.

Pearson will miss games against the San Jose Sharks and Philadelphia Flyers when the regular season begins next week, and will forfeit more than $15,000 in salary.

Davidson is day to day.