Raleigh, N.C. ? Jeff O’Neill, the leading goal scorer for the Carolina Hurricanes the last two seasons, was suspended for today’s playoff game for his hit from behind on Montreal defenseman Sheldon Souray.

O’Neill was given a game misconduct less than five minutes into the Hurricanes’ 2-0 victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series Friday for his check on Souray, who was helped off the ice. The defenseman returned 30 seconds into the second period, but played just one shift after his shoulder injury.

O’Neill had a team-leading 31 goals this season. He’ll likely be replaced on Carolina’s top line by rookie Jaroslav Svoboda, who assisted on Ron Francis’ game-winning goal.

The 6-foot-4, 223-pound Souray hit Sami Kapanen from behind along the boards seconds before the O’Neill hit. However, O’Neill said he didn’t see the hit on his linemate and just caught Souray moving in an awkward position.