Giordano suspended 2 games for kneeing Koivu

Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano has been suspended two games for kneeing Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu during Thursday's game, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced.

Here's the play:

Giordano's trip on Koivu #Flames #MNWild #MINvsCGY pic.twitter.com/d0ahN21nOQ

- Sportsnet 960 (@Sportsnet960) December 7, 2018

The Wild ruled out Koivu for Friday's game in Edmonton, and he flew home to Minnesota to be evaluated for injury following Thursday's 2-0 loss, general manager Paul Fenton confirmed.

Koivu's registered 21 points through 27 games for Minnesota so far while eating up over 18 minutes per night and winning 56 percent of his draws.

Giordano, on the other hand, has played Norris Trophy-caliber hockey in 2018-19. The 35-year-old is tied for second among all NHL defenseman with 29 points and owns a Corsi For of 57 percent while anchoring the Flames' top pairing.

He's eligible to return Dec. 12 versus the Philadelphia Flyers.

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