New York Islanders forward Casey Cizikas has been given a one-game suspension for boarding Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brendan Smith.
The illegal hit came just seven seconds into the third period when the two teams met in Raleigh on April 8.
The Isles forward was pursuing a puck deep in the Carolina zone, with Smith ahead of him. Cizikas hit Smith squarely in the numbers, driving him dangerously into the boards. Cizikas was given a minor penalty for boarding from referees Francois St. Laurent and Brian Pochmara.
Smith left the game for medical evaluation; he did not return.
From the NHL’s Department of Player Safety:
“The onus is on Cizikas to deliver this hit in a legal fashion, avoid it entirely, or minimize the force… Instead, he hits forcibly through Smith’s back, driving him dangerously into the boards. This is boarding.”
The Islanders went on to win the game 2-1.
Cizikas forfeits $12,500.00 as a result of the suspension. This is his first time receiving any form of supplemental discipline from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.
