Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Stienburg has been suspended for two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety after a forceful hit against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak during last night's game.
Stienburg was handed a five-minute major penalty and ejected after charging toward Cernak along the boards and delivering a high hit that caused both of his skates to leave the ice. The incident led to an immediate review and disciplinary action by the NHL.
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Cernak, shaken up from the hit, left the game and did not return, although there's no current timeline on his recovery. NHL rules prohibit players from leaving their feet to make a hit unless it's an unavoidable result of momentum, a standard that Stienburg's hit did not meet.
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After the game Lightning coach Jon Cooper expressed hope for Cernak's quick recovery but emphasized the importance of prioritizing player safety especially considering Cernak's injury history. Fans & analysts largely agreed stressing that regulation of aggressive play is essential to protect players on the ice.
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This suspension signals the league's dedication to curbing dangerous play & holding players accountable for reckless behavior. Only 22 Stienburg has quickly established a reputation as a physical player having recently scrapped with Calgary's Nikita Zadorov. However the NHL's ruling draws a firm line between tough play & dangerous conduct. The Avalanche will now adjust their lineup for the next two games while the Lightning await Cernak's return.
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