Chicago Blackhawks forward Dan Carcillo has been suspended for two games for an illegal check to Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen during NHL Game #136 Friday night in Carolina, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Carcillo will forfeit $8,378.38. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
At 1:47 of the first period Carcillo delivered an illegal hit from behind, sending Pitkanen into the end boards. There was no penalty called on the play.
Carcillo will miss games tonight against Columbus and Monday against Nashville. He will be eligible to return Thursday at Florida.
"It’s a tough pill to swallow right now," Carcillo said after being informed of the suspension. "I don’t know ... just frustrated right now.”