WATCH: Nic Dowd Lays Dirty Hit On Eric Staal

The NHL has already issued one suspension this year and we may see another. Eric Staal of the Buffalo Sabres was forced out of their season opener after a dirty hit to the head by Nic Dowd of the Washington Capitals. They are set to rematch this evening, but whether Staal will play is a game time decision.

Staal was handling the puck in the middle of the ice with his head down. While some may claim there is an onus on him to protect himself, Dowd nonetheless approached him diagonally and performed a blindside body check with significant head contact. The Department Of Player Safety has not made comment on the play, but we suspect they will in a matter of time.

Eric Staal to the dressing room after this hit to the head pic.twitter.com/w5hIWQxljp

— The Charging Buffalo (@TheChargingBUF) January 15, 2021

Eric Staal will be a game-time decision for our game against the Capitals tonight.

Learn more about lineup notes, storylines, and broadcast info for tonight: https://t.co/CWwChW1Kg8 pic.twitter.com/I9Xw2Lxuly

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) January 15, 2021