Blackhawks' Niklas Hjalmarsson Suspended 1 Regular-Season Game
(CBS) Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson will be suspended for the remainder of the preseason and one regular-season game after a charging penalty in Saturday's contest with the Blues.
Barring an appeal, Hjalmarsson will miss the season opener on Oct. 12 against the Blues. He will miss the final two contests of the preseason as well.
The hit occurred with 1:05 remaining in regulation during Saturday's game, in which Hjalmarsson approached the Blues' Ty Rattie with speed, as the league noted, and then appeared to launch into Rattie's head. He was assessed a match penalty.
"Both players are low and in an athletic position," the NHL said in a video explanation. "But rather than staying low and delivering hit to Rattie's shoulder or chest, Hjalmarsson launches up, making substantial contact with his head."
This is Hjalmarsson's second career suspension. He was also suspended in October 2010. Hjalmarsson will forfeit $22,777.78 as a penalty.