The league's offer to Keith of an in-person hearing means Keith could face a suspension of six games or more. The Hawks have five regular-season games remaining, which means Keith's suspension could carry over into the playoffs.



The league had hoped to set a date for the hearing sooner but the parties involved could not organize a date until late Thursday evening. Keith declined to address the matter with reporters after the Hawks' practice on Thursday.



Working against Keith in the review process is his prior history of questionable plays that drew suspensions.



Keith was suspended for a game during the Western Conference finals in 2013 for high sticking the Kings' Jeff Carter and in 2012 he was suspended five games for elbowing the Canucks' Daniel Sedin.



But what could help him is that Coyle was not seriously injured and returned to Tuesday's game, which the Wild won 4-1.



chine@tribpub.com



Twitter @ChristopherHine