CHICAGO (AP) - Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook was suspended for three games for his hit Blues Center David Backes during their first-round playoff series.
The NHL announced the penalty Sunday, Seabrooks 29 birthday.
Seabrook received a five-minute major and game misconduct penalty for a vicious elbow Backes head late in the third period of Saturday game 2 Backes of the ice had to be helped and not in St. Louis' 4-3-back overtime victory.
Seabrook of the penalty led with goal to Vladimir Tabanao coupling 6.4 seconds, in regulation.
The suspension is a major blow for the Blackhawks, who are down 2-0 heading into game 3 on Monday night. Seabrook had a goal and an assist in each of the first two games of the series.
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