Frank Nazar Suspension: The NHL suspended Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar for two games Friday evening for an illegal check to the head of New York Islanders forward Bo Horvat, the league announced. Nazar, 22, was also fined $68,041 for the hit, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The ruling means the Blackhawks center will sit out two of the team’s next games as Chicago deals with the fallout from a physical loss to New York.
The Hit That Led To The Frank Nazar Suspension Two Games
The incident happened at 18:27 of the third period Thursday night. Horvat had just scored into an empty net to put the Islanders ahead 4-1 when Nazar delivered a hard check leading with his left shoulder into Horvat’s head, according to the Tribune. Nazar was assessed a five-minute major penalty on the play, which ended his night.
The hit touched off a scrum that saw Horvat and his teammates throwing punches. Horvat finished the game with two goals but did not return to the ice after the check.
What It Means For Chicago
Nazar will miss Saturday’s home game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes and Tuesday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Tribune reported. Those are the two games the Blackhawks will have to replace his spot in the lineup without him.
The suspension adds to a difficult stretch for Chicago, which already dropped the 4-1 decision to New York that preceded the discipline. The Blackhawks’ 4-1 loss to the Islanders also included an injury to Alexander Romanov, compounding the team’s lineup concerns heading into the weekend.
Horvat’s Status Still Uncertain
Horvat was scheduled to be examined by doctors Friday as he continues to be evaluated for injury following the check, according to NHL.com’s status report. His availability for the Islanders’ home game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday remained unknown as of Friday. More on his evaluation is covered in Total Apex Sports’ report on the Bo Horvat injury.
What’s Next
Nazar is eligible to return to the Blackhawks lineup for Chicago’s game after Tuesday’s contest against the Penguins, having served the two-game penalty. The Blackhawks also continue to monitor other injury issues on their roster, including the situation detailed in Bowen Byram out. Horvat’s playing status for Saturday against Tampa Bay depends on the results of his medical evaluation.
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