Avalanche player suspended for charging

DENVER — Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Stienburg has been suspended for two games for charging a Tampa Bay Lightning player during their game Wednesday night. 

The National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety said in a release Thursday that Stienburg was suspended for two games, without pay, for charging Tampa Bay defenseman Erik Cernak on Oct. 30.

The incident happened at 17:12 of the second period, the release said. Stienburg was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for charging.

Under NHL rules, a player can be called for charging if he skates, jumps into or charges an opponent in any manner. Game video released by the NHL shows Stienburg jumping into Cernak against the boards.

Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and based on his average annual salary, the suspension will cost Stienburg $9,361.98, according to the release. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

The Avalanche’s next game will be on the road against the Nashville Predators on Saturday. They’ll host the Seattle Kraken the following Tuesday.