Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg was suspended two games for interference against Detroit Red Wings forward J.T. Compher following a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Monday.
The incident occurred during the second period of the teams’ game on Saturday, with Lilleberg being whistled for a two-minute minor penalty at 11:21.
Several beats after Compher completed a pass to a teammate, Lilleberg made contact with Compher’s head with a late hit. Compher was injured on the play.
“In addition to the lateness, what causes this hit to rise to the level of supplemental discipline is the significant head contact on this play, combined with the force,” a Department of Player Safety official said in an explanation video.
Lilleberg, who had not been disciplined previously in his two NHL seasons, will miss Tampa Bay’s home games Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks and Thursday against the Los Angeles Kings. He’ll be eligible to return Saturday as the homestand continues with a matchup against the New York Islanders.
Lilleberg, 23, has 11 assists in 45 games this season. He has 16 assists in 82 career games with the Lightning.
