The NHL announced Thursday that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak has been suspended two games, and announced that Buffalo Sabres forward Rasmus Risolainen would also be suspended three games for a separate incident.
The NHL Announced both suspensions on their official website:
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak has been suspended for two games, without pay, for boarding Columbus Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand during NHL Game No. 1086 in Columbus on Wednesday, March 22, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
Polak was given a major penalty and a game misconduct during Wednesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after he boarded forward Oliver Bjorkstrand during the second period. As Bjorkstrand played the puck along the boards, Polak placed a hand on the numbers of the jersey, before pushing him into the boards. Bjorkstrand left the game following the hit, and did not travel to Washington for Thursday’s game against the Washington Capitals.
For Ristolainen, he was also given a major penalty and a game misconduct following a blindside hit on Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel during Tuesday’s game. Just nine minutes into the first period, Ristolainen plowed over Guentzal as he exited the zone. Guentzal was able to slowly get off the ice himself,but headed to the locker room right away and did not return. This is the first suspension for Polak in his career.
The NHL announced the suspension on their official website:
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has been suspended for three games, without pay, for interference against Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel during NHL Game No. 1076 in Buffalo on Tuesday, March 21, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
Both suspensions will cost the players salary. Polak will lose $25,000, while Ristolainen will forefit $90,000. Both amounts will go to the NHL’s Players’ Emergency Fund.
