The ban hammer has come down on Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev on Friday as the NHL's Department of Player Safety has issued the Russian blueliner a two-game suspension for his illegal check to the head of Maple Leafs star winger Mitch Marner on Thursday.
The play occurred with just over two minutes remaining in the first frame, after Marner was hooked by Bolts defenseman Victor Hedman while trying to break free on a breakaway.
Sergachev cut across the ice, colliding with Marner from the blind side, with Marner's head being the principle point of contact. Sergachev reportedly apologized to Marner for the hit during the second period.
As a result of his suspension, Sergachev will be forced to sit out for Saturday's game against the Ottawa Senators and Tuesday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes. He will he eligible to return to the Bolts' lineup next Saturday when they play host to the Florida Panthers.
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