Vancouver Canucks forward Jake Virtanen has been suspended two games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his late hit on San Jose Sharks defenceman Roman Polak.

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Early in the second period of Tuesday’s 4-1 Sharks victory over the Canucks, Virtanen laid a hit on Polak that while shoulder-to-shoulder, happened well after the puck had been played.

Virtanen was assessed a five minute major for interference and a game misconduct on the play.

Following the game, Virtanen explained how he saw the play to the media.

“On the backcheck, I saw Polak move the puck and I just wanted to finish my check and it ended up being a little late,” Virtanen told the Province.  “It was shoulder to shoulder, I thought."

Polak left the game after the hit but did return.