Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri is suspended eight games for an illegal check to the head of St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk during Game 2 on Wednesday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Friday.

Kadri received a five-minute major and match penalty for the hit. Faulk didn't return to the contest and wasn't available for Game 3 of the series.

"This is a high, forceful check to an opponent's head that caused an injury and was delivered by a player with a substantial disciplinary record," the league said.

Kadri's suspension began Game 3 on Friday.

The 6-foot pivot has been suspended three times in his last four playoffs and six times over his 12-year career.

He was last suspended during the 2019 postseason for a high hit on Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk.

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