Zeiler, 26, was assessed a major penalty for boarding and game misconduct for hitting Avalanche defenseman Adam Foote at the 6:51 mark of the second period.

Foote skated into the right corner of his zone for the puck and was hit from behind by Zeiler, who was appearing in just his second game of the season. Foote's neck bent awkwardly where the glass starts on the boards and the veteran stayed on the ice before eventually skating off on his own power.

"I saw Foote on the ground and I kind of knew it wasn't a clean hit because he was hit from behind," Avs forward Ian Laperriere said after the game. "Those hits have to stop before someone gets hurt or even killed."

Zeiler has one goal and three assists in 61 career games with the Kings.