Montreal Canadiens defenceman Alexei Emelin was ejected from Tuesday night's game against the Dallas Stars after drilling forward Jason Spezza into the boards.

The incident took place at 5:21 of the second period. With Spezza attempting to control the puck behind the Montreal end, Emelin cross checked Spezza into the boards, leaving the Stars forward in significant pain.

Emelin received a five-minute boarding major and a game misconduct. Emelin may find himself in hot water with the NHL's disciplinary department, which could seek a hearing with the Habs defenceman.

Spezza, who suffered a broken nose, returned to the game sporting a full face shield.

"I broke my nose but I knew I was going to be back," Spezza told reporters after the Stars' 3-2 loss to Montreal.