Joakim Nordstrom was suspended two games by the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety on Friday for his hit on Arizona Coyotes’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson during Thursday night’s game in Glendale, Ariz.
The Chicago Blackhawks‘ forward hit the Coyotes defenseman into the boards from behind in the final minute of Thursday’s game. In its video explaining the suspension, the league said Nordstrom “forcefully shoves Ekman-Larsson from behind, causing Ekman-Larsson to crash dangerously into the boards.”
Nordstrom has two assists and 34 shots on goal in 31 games this season. He will forfeit $6,630.82 during his two-game suspension.
Nordstrom, who had previously not been fined or suspended by the league, will not be available when the Blackhawks face the San Jose Sharks on Saturday afternoon in San Jose or against the New York Islanders on Tuesday night at the United Center.
His absence leaves an opening forward spot to be filled by Andrew Desjardins or Daniel Carcillo.
Desjardins has eight points (five goals, three assists) in 57 games this season. He had two shots on goal during 12 shifts in 9:14 of ice time in his Blackhawks debut March 6 against the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center.
Carcillo also has eight points (four goals, four assists) in 38 games this season.
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