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Chicago Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar has been suspended for two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety following an illegal check to the head of New York Islanders forward Bo Horvat. The hit took place during a recent matchup at UBS Arena, where Nazar was given a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct, resulting in an automatic ejection.
The ejection triggered a mandatory hearing with the Department of Player Safety, which ultimately decided on the two-game ban. This marks the first suspension of Nazar's NHL career. The Department announced the decision on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
As a result of the suspension, Nazar will be unavailable for the Blackhawks' next two games: against the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes and the Pittsburgh Penguins. He is eligible to return on October 15 when Chicago faces the Winnipeg Jets.
In four games this season, Nazar has recorded two goals and one assist.
Fan Reactions Highlight Inconsistency Concerns
Following the announcement, fans quickly took to social media to express their reactions, with many questioning the consistency of the league's disciplinary actions. One fan commented, "We are OK with you giving these type of suspensions if you are consistent. The problem is that you're not and players/fans have no idea what to expect anymore."
Another fan remarked, "Illegal hits get you nothing if the player knows how to take the hit. But legal ones? Wait a minute." A third fan questioned, "Is the league not suppose to check anymore? Seems like his shoulder is level with his chest. No elbow, didn't jump. Maybe Horvat should be aware of his surroundings?"
One fan sarcastically suggested, "Nazar should've activated the slow motion switch like they did on all those replays, then he could've adjusted that hit. Two games for not activating slow mo." Finally, another fan pointed out, "To make sure we are clear. That's two games but a slash to the chest (after a Slewfoot that your explanation video said was dirty) was worth six? Some rhyme or reason to these penalties would be great."
The suspension leaves the Blackhawks without Nazar for their upcoming contests as they aim to maintain their early-season momentum.
Originally reported by yahoo.