Claude Giroux Suspended 1 Game For Dainius Zubrus Hit, Will Miss Game 5

(SB Nation) - Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux has been suspended one game by the NHL for his head shot on New Jersey Devils forward Dainius Zubrus. The hit occured late in the second period of Sunday's Game 4 between the clubs at Prudential Center.

The news was announced by the Flyers on Monday afternoon following Giroux's hearing with the NHL's chief of player safety, Brendan Shanahan. The news could come as a little bit of a surprise given the lack of injury on the play to Zubrus and the fact that Giroux is not a repeat offender, but the head was undoubtedly the principal point of contact on this hit, and perhaps the NHL sees this as a chance to take a bit of a stand.

Nevertheless, losing Giroux is extremely painful for the Flyers when it comes to their hopes of coming back from a 3-1 hole against the Devils. He'll miss Game 5 on Tuesday night at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, and the reality for Giroux is that his season may very well be over as well.