Lightning's Cernak suspended 2 games for elbowing Sabres' Okposo

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak was handed a two-game suspension for elbowing Buffalo Sabres captain Kyle Okposo during Thursday's contest, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced.

The incident occurred late in the third period of the Sabres' 6-5 overtime victory. Cernak did not receive a penalty. Okposo was able to stay on the bench but didn't take another shift.

Cernak elbows Okposo. Granato and Okposo were livid, along with others. pic.twitter.com/0LcxMKFfcR

- The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) February 24, 2023

Okposo was speeding along the boards in pursuit of the puck with Cernak closing in. In an attempt to evade a hit from the blue-liner, Okposo began to cut to the middle of the ice.

The Department of Player Safety found Cernak extended his elbow and caught Okposo up high in order to avoid missing his check entirely.

Cernak was suspended once before over his 277-game NHL career. He was banned for a pair of contests in 2019 for elbowing Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

The 25-year-old has put up one goal and 10 assists in 51 games for the Bolts this campaign while averaging just over 19 minutes of ice time. He leads the team with 164 hits.

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