Vancouver Canucks defenceman Nikita Zadorov has been suspended two games for a hit to the head of the Detroit Red Wings' Lucas Raymond, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Saturday.
The incident occurred 4:11 into the second period with the game tied at 1-1. As Raymond was carrying the puck through the neutral zone, Zadorov made contact with the Red Wings forward right after he had passed the puck.
In the announcement, the Department of Player Safety said both elements of the illegal check to the head rule are satisfied on the play. Those two elements are that the head is the first point of contact and that the head contact is avoidable.
Zadorov had never been fined or suspended in his NHL career.
Raymond, who had scored the opening goal, later returned to the game.
Things escalated in the final three minutes of the period as Ian Cole of the Canucks and Alex DeBrincat of the Red Wings dropped the gloves while Raymond and teammate Dylan Larkin plus Nils Hoglander of the Canucks all received roughing penalties.
Detroit went on to win the game in overtime, overcoming a two-goal deficit in the third period.
The six-foot-six Zadorov has registered four assists and 60 penalty minutes in 27 games since joining the Canucks in a trade from the Calgary Flames.
Vancouver's next two games come Sunday against the Washington Capitals and Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks as it wraps up a five-game road trip.
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