Islanders forward Casey Cizikas to have hearing for boarding

The NHL Department of Player Safety announced Saturday that New York Islanders forward Casey Cizikas will have a hearing for boarding Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brendan Smith.

Cizikas laid the hit on Smith in the first minute of the third period of Friday night’s game. He was assessed a two-minute minor for boarding on the play. Smith left the game after the hit and did not return. Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour did not have an update on his status postgame.

While Cizikas does have a physical edge to his game, he does not have a history of being fined or suspended by NHL Player Safety, something that ought to work in his favor during this hearing. Cizikas has nine goals and 14 points in 63 games this season in the midst of a rough season offensively and defensively.