David Backes receives three-game suspension for hit to head

Boston Bruins’ forward David Backes has been suspended for three games for an illegal check to the head on New Jersey’s Blake Coleman.

Backes is considered a repeat offender and will forfeit $219,512.19 in salary.

The incident occurred towards the end of the Bruins’ 5-2 loss to the Devils on Thursday when Backes caught Coleman with a hit to the head. Backes received a two-minute minor penalty on the play and had a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Friday morning.

The suspension forces the veteran forward to miss the 2019 Winter Classic against the Chicago Blackhawks on New Year’s day at Notre Dame Stadium.

Backes was previously been handed a three-game suspension in March for interference on Detroit Red Wings’ forward Frans Nielsen.

Typically known for racking up a healthy amount of PIM each season, Backes has been credited with just eight PIM in 33 contests this time around. He’s managed three goals and 10 points thus far.