Forward Troy Crowder, who is in the...

Forward Troy Crowder, who is in the Kings’ training camp on a tryout, was suspended by the NHL for at least 10 games Friday for abusing an official during Thursday night’s exhibition game against the New York Rangers at the Forum.

Crowder, assessed a double-game misconduct, acknowledged having hit linesman Brad Lazarowich with his elbow “on the backswing” as he wound up to punch opponents but said his contact with Lazarowich was unintentional.

NHL spokesman Gary Meagher said that a tape of the incident would be reviewed by Brian Burke, the league’s chief disciplinarian. Meagher said Crowder’s actions constituted a Category 2 offense, which calls for an automatic 10-game suspension. Burke can increase that penalty.

Darren Langdon of the Rangers also got a double-game misconduct for abuse of an official, but his offense was classified as Category 3, which carries a three-game suspension.

Crowder cannot play in any more exhibition games, pending Burke’s review. He will have to serve the rest of his suspension when he signs a contract, even if that contract is with another team.

The incident occurred near the Rangers’ bench midway through the third period.

“I went in to take my man and I was cross-checked from behind by Langdon,” Crowder said. “The linesmen came in and tried to hold us out, but I tried to fight through it. . . .

“I’m sure I did [hit Lazarowich]. I’m sure I made contact with him and every other player on the ice. I could feel him grabbing my arm as I was punching. He told me afterward that I’d hit him, and I believe it. In the heat of the battle, you don’t think about where your elbow is going. I’m sure when they see the video they’ll see it wasn’t aimed directly at him. I didn’t punch him or grab him. My arms were flailing.”

Before traveling to Las Vegas for a rematch with the Rangers tonight, the Kings assigned goaltender Frederick Beaubien, left wings Barry Potomski and Jeff Shevalier and center Daniel Rydmark to Phoenix of the International Hockey League.

Goalie Kelly Hrudey, who has a sprained left ankle, and center Robert Lang, who has bruised ribs, did not make the trip. Byron Dafoe is scheduled to play the full game tonight as he battles Jamie Storr for the role of Hrudey’s backup. Storr will face Dallas Tuesday at the Alamodome in San Antonio.