Lightning's Gourde suspended 2 games for hit to head on Canes' Staal

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Yanni Gourde has been suspended two games for an illegal check to the head of Carolina Hurricanes pivot Jordan Staal, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Friday.

Here's the play:

The hit occurred in the first period of Thursday's matchup - a 6-3 victory for Tampa Bay. Gourde was assessed a 10-minute match penalty and was ejected from the game, while Staal briefly exited the contest before returning to score a goal in the middle frame.

Gourde is eligible to return to the Bolts' lineup March 30 versus the Washington Capitals. In 75 games this season, the 27-year-old has notched 20 goals and 24 assists.