Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Hartman will not face supplemental discipline from the NHL for his hit on Predators forward Craig Smith in Game 2 on Saturday night, reports Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune.
Hartman executed a brutal cross-check to Smith’s face during the Blackhawks’ 5-0 loss, which drew a two-minute roughing penalty and 10-minute game misconduct penalty. Here’s the play:
The absence of additional punishment from the NHL isn’t surprising. Once the Department of Player Safety only suspended Blue Jackets forward Matt Calvert one game for essentially attacking an opponent with a pair of hits near the end of a game, it became clear this postseason wouldn’t involve aggressive enforcement of illegal hits with supplemental discipline.