The NHL has suspended Vancouver forward Jake Virtanen two games without pay for what the league called a “vicious” blindside check on Sharks defenseman Roman Polak.
Virtanen was issued a major penalty for interference and a game misconduct.
The league’s department of player safety ruled Virtanen had ample time to avoid the hit.
Buffalo starting goalie Robin Lehner will miss the remainder of the season after having surgery to repair his right ankle.
The Sabres have six games left, and have been eliminated from playoff contention.
The surgery ends an injury-troubled season for Lehner, who missed 42 games after sustaining a lower-body injury in Buffalo’s season opener ...