Dallas Stars forward Cody Eakin has been suspended four games by the NHL for charging New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist during Thursday’s game at American Airlines Center.
The Winnipegger ran over Lundqvist as he was playing the puck behind his net mid-way through the first period. The collision knocked Lundqvist’s mask off and caused him to fall to the ice. He left the game but later returned, making 27 saves to help New York shut out Dallas 2-0. Eakin was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for the hit.
The league says Eakin did not make a reasonable effort to avoid contact and calls it a forceful blow. The 25-year-old will forfeit $85,555.56 in salary during his suspension.
WATCH: NHL explains Cody Eakin’s four-game suspension
This is the first time Eakin has been suspended in his six-year NHL career. He will be eligible to return to Dallas’ lineup for the team’s game against the Colorado Avalanche on Dec. 29. Eakin has a single assist and 17 penalty minutes in 14 games this season.