Hockey

Maple Leafs' Polak barred 2 games for Oliver Bjorkstrand hit

Maple Leafs defenceman Roman Polak was suspended two games Thursday for his hit on Columbus forward Oliver Bjorkstrand. He was given a major boarding penalty and game misconduct on the play in Toronto's 5-2 victory on Wednesday night.

Toronto defenceman to miss games against Devils, Sabres

Maple Leafs defenceman Roman Polak will miss two important divisional games against the Devils and Sabres on Thursday and Saturday, respectively, after the NHL suspended him two games for boarding call against the Blue Jackets' Oliver Bjorkstrand on Wednesday night. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/File)

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Roman Polak was suspended two games Thursday for his hit on Columbus Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand.

Polak hit Bjorkstrand from behind early in the third period of Wednesday night's game at the Nationwide Arena.


Polak, who was given a major boarding penalty and game misconduct after the play, will forfeit $25,000 US in salary.

Bjorkstrand was helped off the ice and did not return to the game. The Maple Leafs went on to defeat the Blue Jackets 5-2.

Polak has eight points (four goals, four assists) and 61 penalty minutes in 67 contests this season.

He will games against New Jersey and Buffalo on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.