Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak has been suspended two games for his illegal check to the head of New York Rangers defenceman Dan Girardi.

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced the suspension on Friday.

The hit occurred in the second period of the Bruins’ 5-2 loss to the Rangers on Wednesday night. Pastrnak hit Girardi as he returned to the ice after leaping to catch the puck in the neutral zone. Pastrnak was assessed a minor penalty on the play for an illegal check to the head.

Girardi left the game following the hit, but did return.

Pastrnak, 20, scored his fifth goal of the season just 10 seconds into Tuesday night’s game. He has eight points in seven games this season and is plus-7. 

He will forfeit $10,277.78 to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund as a result of the suspension.