NEW YORK (March 1, 2016) – Boston Bruins forward Zac Rinaldo has been suspended for five games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Cedric Paquette during NHL Game No. 933 in Boston on Sunday, Feb. 28, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 10:49 of the first period. Rinaldo was assessed a minor penalty for illegal check to the head.

Rinaldo is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, will forfeit $51,829.25. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Only games played by his team while Rinaldo is on an NHL roster will count as those fulfilling the terms of the suspension.

Patrick Burke with the video explanation below...