The Chicago Blackhawks are in a tough spot before facing the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night. Frank Nazar will have a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety today regarding his hit on Bo Horvat. This is not a minor issue.
An illegal check to the head resulted in a five-minute major for Nazar, according to Yahoo Sports. This play will likely lead to some kind of suspension or fine. The existence of a hearing implies that some form of penalty is expected.
A Costly Mistake For The Hawks
Immediately following the hit, Nazar halted and showed clear regret on his face. He intended no harm toward Horvat, and his NHL record contains no history of dirty play. Still, the rules are the rules. Once the necessary punishment is determined, he must accept it. Their final decision will probably be announced later Friday night or at some time Saturday. This timing puts the team in a bind for their game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes.
Should Nazar receive a suspension preventing Teuvo Teravainen from suiting up, a call-up might be required. Since Dominic Toninato is already up, Landon Slaggert could be the next player in line. The Blackhawks played an okay hockey game against the New York Islanders on Thursday night in New York. They lost the game primarily because the opposing goalie provided them with no support. But now the focus shifts to whether the league will bench their young forward for a key matchup.
Depth Test For Chicago
The team has options, but losing a key piece like Nazar hurts. Before their Saturday night game, the Blackhawks have returned to Chicago. We will provide further updates regarding the fallout once the NHL Department of Player Safety releases its decision.
This situation highlights how thin the roster can look when injuries or suspensions pile up. The fans want to see their team compete, but they also want to see players follow the rules.