When Casey Cizikas was thrown out of last night’s game between the New York Islanders and Chicago Blackhawks, some wondered whether he would be handed further punishment from the league. He has, but it isn’t a suspension.
The Department of Player Safety has fined Cizikas $5,000 for goaltender interference after he crashed into Alex Stalock, forcing the netminder from the game and causing him to enter the concussion protocol. Cizikas earned a five-minute major and game misconduct on the play, which happened early in the first period.
That game misconduct would have been considered in the league’s decision to not issue a suspension, as Cizikas ended up playing just 46 seconds of the game.
He’ll be eligible to return to the squad tomorrow for their game against the St. Louis Blues, while Stalock remains out. The Blackhawks were forced to sign Dylan Wells to an NHL contract in the meantime.
A fine? He shouldn’t have even received a penalty on the play. Stalock overplayed the puck and came right out of the crease into Cizikas’ path. It was just coincidental contact.
I saw that play. He ran him. No attempt to avoid the contact. Hit a guy with a history of concussion at full speed. Got a major and a game and sent a guy into concussion protocol. Leagues should start sending messages cause this one warranted a suspension IMO. Total disregard.
One of you must be wrong.
Yeah, I saw that play too. No attempt to avoid the contact.
Never mind that it should’ve been a TEN minute match penalty instead of five. Five’s just for an attempt to injure. Ten’s for actually pulling it off.