Anaheim Ducks center Antoine Vermette is facing the likely prospect of a 10-game suspension from the NHL for slashing a linesman.

Vermette slapped his stick against the back of linesman Shandor Alphonso’s legs after losing a faceoff to Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu during the third period of the Ducks’ 1-0 win Tuesday night.

The NHL didn’t issue an immediate confirmation of what’s expected to be an automatic 10-game suspension under league rules for applying physical force to an official without intent to injure.

The normally mild-mannered Vermette appeared to act out of frustration when Alphonso dropped the puck before the forward had put his stick in place on the ice.

The officials immediately stopped the game and assessed a game misconduct to Vermette, who has been among the NHL’s best faceoff men this season. Vermette has won 62.4 percent of his 985 draws, the best percentage in the league among all players who regularly take faceoffs.

Vermette is allowed to appeal any suspension. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman would hear the first appeal, followed by an independent arbitrator.

Vermette isn’t known as much of a hothead, and he had been enjoying steady success in his first season with the Ducks, who signed the 34-year-old veteran to a two-year deal in August. Along with his remarkable faceoff proficiency, the 2015 Stanley Cup champion has contributed eight goals and 14 assists in 58 games.

After the game, Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle said he thought Vermette hadn’t acted maliciously, but had been trying to get Alphonso’s attention after what he viewed as an unfair faceoff.