New York Islanders center Casey Cizikas suspended one game
The National Hockey League has levied a one-game suspension against Casey Cizikas.
The New York Islanders center hit Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brendan Smith hard from behind into the boards Friday night. The incident happened early in the third period.
Smith was trying to make a play along the boards with the puck, and Cizikas didn’t pull up before delivering the hit. Instead, he turned his body, flattening Smith against the boards.
Cizikas hit on Smith pic.twitter.com/JLDnd8usUh
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) April 9, 2022In its ruling, the NHL Department of Player Safety noted that “Cizikas, having tracked Smith from behind and having seen nothing but Smith’s number for sometime, finishes a check directly through the back of Smith, sending him dangerously into the wall.”
Cizikas was penalized on the play, while Smith left the game and didn’t return.
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour didn’t have an update on Smith following the game.
Appearing in 63 games this year, Cizikas, 31, has scored nine goals and 14 points. Cizikas had never been fined or suspended in his 653-game NHL career.
He’ll miss the Islanders’ Saturday night game against the St. Louis Blues.
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.