Jannik Hansen banned one game for head blow on Hawks’ Marian Hossa

Chicago, IL, United States (4E Sports) – Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa laid face-first for a few minutes after taking a forearm to the back of his head from Vancouver Canucks forward Jannik Hansen Tuesday.

He eventually got to his knees and then went to the locker room under his own power. He did not return to the game. Hansen was given a two-minute penalty for roughing and was later banned a game.

Hossa wasn’t hospitalized from the hit, according to Hawks general manager Stan Bowman.

He added that initial signs were better than they were after Hossa was hit by the Phoenix Coyotes’ Raffi Torres in last year’s playoffs. That hit resulted in a concussion that ended Hossa’s season.

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews doesn’t believe Hansen was going for the puck when he made contact with Hossa.

But Hansen called the hit “a hockey play” and said he and Hossa “ran into each other.”

“I think I kind of grazed on the back of his shoulders, and then he goes down,” Hansen said.

Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said Hansen didn’t do anything illegal on the play and didn’t even warrant a penalty.

Hossa scored two goals in the second period of Chicago’s 4-3 shootout win before being injured.

Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp said Tuesday’s game was similar to many the Blackhawks and Canucks have had in recent years.

“There’s some big hits out there, some questionable hits, both sides,” Sharp said. “I think that’s to be expected.”

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