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Zolnierczyk suspended 4 games

Flyers forward Harry Zolnierczyk has been suspended for 4 games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for charging Ottawa defenseman Mike Lundin on Saturday.

Lundin appeared to temporarily lose consciousness on the vicious hit – and Ottawa coach Paul MacLean confirmed after the game that Lundin had suffered a concussion.

"Instead of delivering a hard, legal check, he launches prior to the check, making sigifnicant contact to Lundin's head," NHL vice president Brendan Shanahan said in a video explanation. "What no player should expect is that his opponent will launch upward, off the ice and into his head."

Shanahan's full video explanation is posted below.

Zolnierczyk, 25, had never been previously suspended by the NHL in his 43-game career. He is the second Flyer to be suspended this season, following Brayden Schenn's one-game ban on Jan. 23.

He will sacrifice approximately $12,973 in salary, which goes toward the NHL's Player Emergency Assistance Fund. Zolnierczyk will be eligible to return to the Flyers' lineup on March 13 in New Jersey.

Healthy scratch Mike Knuble will likely replace Zolnierczyk in the lineup.

For the latest updates, follow Frank Seravalli on Twitter: @DNFlyers