Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov has been suspended two games for hitting Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond's head during Saturday's contest, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced.
The collision occurred early in the second period. Raymond remained down for a few moments but managed to skate off the ice under his own power. He returned to the contest before the end of the frame.
Nikita Zadorov has been given a 5-minute match penalty for a hit to the head. pic.twitter.com/B22Og9ZkIn
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 10, 2024
Raymond opened the scoring 45 seconds into the contest. He entered Saturday's clash ranked third on the Red Wings with 41 points in 50 games.
Zadorov logged one shot on goal in 6:38 of ice time before being assessed a match penalty for the hit.
The 28-year-old had a disciplinary hearing during the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs for hitting the head of then-Dallas Stars forward Luke Glendening. The league ultimately didn't suspend Zadorov after determining that contact to the head was unavoidable.
The Canucks scored twice in the second period following the hit on Raymond, but the Red Wings stormed back to win the game 4-3 off of Jake Walman's penalty shot in overtime.
Zadorov will be eligible to return Feb. 15 when the Red Wings visit Vancouver.
