The NHL has suspended Frank Nazar for two games today for the hit delivered on New York Islander’s captain Bo Horvat.
The hit took place late in the third period after Horvat shot the puck down the ice towards the Blackhawks’ empty net.
When the hit was delivered, Horvat was bent over from the follow through of the shot. Nazar made contact with Horvat’s head, which immediately led to Nazar being jumped by surrounding Islanders. Nazar was assessed a five minute major and a 10 minute misconduct.
It was no doubt a hit to the head, and deserving of discipline. In my opinion, two games seems a little extreme for a player with no history and no clear intent to injure.
Nazar will miss the next two games against Carolina on Saturday, and Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
This is a huge blow for the Blackhawks who are already missing their number one center in Connor Bedard. Now the Blackhawks have to go two games without their their second best center.
Anton Frondell will likely be the next man up in Nazar’s absence.
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