New York Islanders forward Casey Cizikas has been suspended one game for boarding Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brendan Smith during Friday night's contest, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Saturday.
The incident occurred during the opening minute of the third period in the Islanders' 2-1 victory. Cizikas finished a check to Smith's back in the Hurricanes' zone, sending him into the boards.
Cizikas received a minor penalty for boarding on the play. Smith left the game and did not return. There was no update on his status after the game.
The league posited that the onus was on Cizikas to avoid the check or deliver a legal hit, arguing that he had plenty of time to change course before making contact.
Cizikas will forfeit $12,500 in salary due to the ban. The 31-year-old has never previously been fined or suspended in his 653-game NHL career.
The Islanders take on the St. Louis Blues on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.
