Blackhawks' Murphy avoids suspension for hit on Cernak

Chicago Blackhawks head coach Jeremy Colliton announced Monday that the NHL won't suspend blue-liner Connor Murphy for his hit on Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak, according to Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Murphy, who was ejected from Sunday's contest for the hit, won't be fined either, reports The Athletic's Joe Smith.

The NHL Department of Player Safety felt the head was not the main point of contact and thus did not schedule a hearing, Smith adds.

Cernak left the game and did not return but was a full participant in Monday's practice, and head coach Jon Cooper is "hopeful" Cernak can play Tuesday, according to NHL.com's Bryan Burns.

Murphy has never been suspended over his eight-year NHL career.

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