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Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Stienburg has been suspended for two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety after a forceful hit against Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak during last night’s game.

Stienburg was handed a five-minute major penalty and ejected after charging toward Cernak along the boards and delivering a high hit that caused both of his skates to leave the ice. The incident led to an immediate review and disciplinary action by the NHL.

Cernak, shaken up from the hit, left the game and did not return, although there’s no current timeline on his recovery. NHL rules prohibit players from leaving their feet to make a hit unless it’s an unavoidable result of momentum, a standard that Stienburg’s hit did not meet.

After the game Lightning coach Jon Cooper expressed hope for Cernak’s quick recovery but emphasized the importance of prioritizing player safety especially considering Cernak’s injury history. Fans & analysts largely agreed stressing that regulation of aggressive play is essential to protect players on the ice.

This suspension signals the league’s dedication to curbing dangerous play & holding players accountable for reckless behavior. Only 22 Stienburg has quickly established a reputation as a physical player having recently scrapped with Calgary’s Nikita Zadorov. However the NHL’s ruling draws a firm line between tough play & dangerous conduct. The Avalanche will now adjust their lineup for the next two games while the Lightning await Cernak’s return.