Jacob MacDonald Suspended Two Games

Colorado Avalanche Defenseman Jacob MacDonald has been suspended two games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for an illegal check to the head of Minnesota Wild Forward Ryan Hartman.

The hit occurred during the 1st Period of Wednesday’s 8-3 loss, a loss which snapped the Avs 15 game point streak, where they went (13-0-2).

As a result of the hit, Hartman would lay on the ice for a short time before getting up under his own power. Hartman would resume playing in the game, and would ultimately score the game winning goal early in the 2nd Period. MacDonald was not penalized for the hit, and would finish with 14:18 of ice time.

MacDonald has not been suspended in his short NHL career, and will now be forced to watch from the press box for the Avs two game set against the Anaheim Ducks this weekend. His next chance to return to the lineup will be Monday against the Arizona Coyotes. The Avalanche have been expecting Bowen Byram to return to the lineup for the last week, so he could be an option to take MacDonald’s spot. If Byram isn’t ready to go tomorrow night, expect Greg Pateryn to draw into the lineup for the first time since March 16th.