Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi was ejected from Sunday's game against the Dallas Stars following a hit on Colin Blackwell. Bertuzzi is now facing a suspension from the NHL.
It wasn't the original hit that injured the former Blackhawk, but it was the follow through, which contained Bertuzzi's elbow being a little too high.
The hit took place midway through the second period of the game at the United Center when forward Blackwell was skating alongside the boards with the puck, Bertuzzi approached the Stars forward with his back turned against him, elevating his body.
The follow through portion struck Blackwell in the head, ultimately leading to Bertuzzi's 5-minute major penalty, ejection from the game, and the Stars forward also exiting the game- likely due to concussion protocol.
Just 12 seconds into the Stars' power play following the exit of Bertuzzi, Jason Robertson blasted one home to give them the 2-1 lead.
Jason Robertson against the Blackhawks:
- 1 goal (on the powerplay)
- 2 points
- 5 shots
- 10 shot attempts
- 2 hits
Robertson saw a spark light up in him after his teammate was injured.
The NHL Player Safety committee is likely to review the play, and announce discipline soon.
Bertuzzi, on the other hand, did not do much with his nine minutes of ice time before ejection. Having two giveaways, zero shots on goal and 10 penalty minutes.
With Bertuzzi, a top-line player alongside Bedard and Taylor Hall, likely to miss time, Ryan Donato will slot into his role on the Blackhawks top line.
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