Matt Stienburg Suspended for Dangerous Hit

Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Stienburg has been suspended for two games following a dangerous hit on Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak. The NHL Department of Player Safety deemed the hit, which occurred during the Avalanche's 5-2 loss to the Lightning, as unnecessary and dangerous, meriting supplemental discipline. During the second period, Stienburg launched into Cernak, resulting in a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. Cernak was unable to return to the game, and his current status remains unclear. This suspension means Stienburg will miss the Avalanche's upcoming games against the Nashville Predators and Seattle Kraken. Stienburg, a rookie who debuted this season, has yet to score in his eight NHL appearances and has accumulated 22 penalty minutes.