Cizikas avoids suspension for bowling over Stalock
New York Islanders forward Casey Cizikas has been fined $5,000 by the NHL Department of Player Safety for colliding with Chicago Blackhawks netminder Alex Stalock on Tuesday night.
Cizikas was handed a five-minute goaltender interference major and game misconduct for running over Stalock in the first period.
Alex Stalock is leaving the game after a violent collision and Casey Cizikas is given a 5-minute penalty and game misconduct for goaltender interference. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/I3QJloDoaw
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) November 2, 2022
Backup goaltender Arvid Soderblom entered the contest in relief and stopped 28 of 30 shots, but the Islanders ultimately won the clash 3-1.
Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson said postgame that Stalock is in concussion protocol, according to The Athletic's Scott Powers. There's no word if he'll miss time, but the Blackhawks can ill afford a significant absence as they're already shorthanded between the pipes with Petr Mrazek sidelined.
Stalock entered Tuesday's game with a 3-2-1 record and .914 save percentage. This marks his first season with Chicago after 10 years split between the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild.
Cizikas, meanwhile, has only been suspended once in his career: a one-game ban for boarding Brendan Smith last season.