The Flames forward receives a two-game ban for a retaliatory hit on Canucks defenseman Elias Pettersson, impacting Calgary’s playoff push.
Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary has been handed a two-game suspension for elbowing Vancouver Canucks defenseman Elias Pettersson during Wednesday night’s game, as confirmed by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.
The incident occurred in the neutral zone when Pettersson delivered a hard but legal check on a Flames player. Moments later, Zary retaliated by tracking Pettersson and extending his elbow into his head, making significant contact. The NHL deemed this a dangerous and unnecessary hit, leading to the suspension.
This marks the first suspension or fine of Zary’s young NHL career, which likely played a role in the league’s decision to limit the punishment to two games. The 23-year-old, drafted by the Flames in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft, has established himself as a key middle-six forward. He ranks sixth in points per game (0.49) and plays nearly 16 minutes per night, including time on the second power-play unit.
Zary’s absence comes at a crucial moment for the Flames, who are in a tight battle for a wild-card spot. To make matters worse, team captain Mikael Backlund left the same game with an injury, putting his availability in question. If Backlund is unable to play, the Flames may need to recall a forward from their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, before their upcoming game against the Colorado Avalanche. Fortunately, if Backlund is ruled out, the team could make the move under emergency conditions without using one of their limited post-deadline recalls.
The suspension is a setback for Calgary, especially after their shootout loss to Vancouver. They remain in a heated playoff race, tied with the Canucks at 71 points but holding a game in hand. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Blues and Utah Hockey Club are just two points behind, making every remaining game critical for the Flames’ postseason hopes.
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