Erik Cernak, the young defenseman of the Tampa Bay Lightning, has been suspended for two games after elbowing Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo in the face. The incident occurred during the Lightning’s 5-4 win over the Sabres on Saturday night. Cernak, who has been a key contributor to the Lightning’s success this season, will now be forced to miss the next two games due to his actions. This article will discuss the incident and the implications of Cernak’s suspension for both the Lightning and the Sabres.
Erik Cernak Suspended Two Games for Elbowing Kyle Okposo
The National Hockey League (NHL) recently announced that Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak has been suspended for two games for elbowing Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo. The incident occurred during the third period of the Lightning’s 4-2 victory over the Sabres on March 23.
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced the suspension in a video posted to their official website. In the video, they explain that Cernak was suspended for two games for “delivering a forceful elbow to the head of Buffalo Sabres forward Kyle Okposo.” The video further explains that Cernak was in control of the play and had time to avoid the hit, but instead chose to make contact with Okposo’s head, resulting in an injury.
The suspension will cost Cernak $9,817.24 in salary, which is the maximum amount allowed under the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. It is also the first suspension of his NHL career.
Okposo was taken off the ice on a stretcher after the hit and did not return to the game. He was later diagnosed with a concussion. The Buffalo Sabres released a statement saying that Okposo is currently in concussion protocol and is expected to make a full recovery.
The suspension was met with mixed reactions from fans and media. Some argued that the suspension was too lenient, while others argued that it was too harsh. Regardless, the NHL’s decision to suspend Cernak for two games sends a strong message that the league takes player safety seriously and will not tolerate dangerous hits to the head.
The league has been adamant in its stance against illegal hits to the head and has implemented a number of measures in recent years to help protect players. These include stiffer penalties for dangerous hits, stricter enforcement of existing rules, and improved concussion protocols.
The suspension of Cernak is the latest example of the NHL’s commitment to protecting its players. While the suspension may not be popular with everyone, it is a necessary step to ensure that players are kept safe on the ice.
