Wild's Marco Scandella suspended two games for illegal check to head

The NHL has suspended Minnesota Wild defenseman Marco Scandella two games for an illegal check to the head. Scandella was fined for a similar hit 10 days ago.

The NHL has suspended Minnesota Wild defenseman Marco Scandella two games for an illegal check to the head, the league announced Wednesday.

Late in the third period of the Wild's win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday, Scandella hit Islanders center Brock Nelson in the head with his shoulder while defending in Minnesota's zone, for which he was penalized for the hit.

Nelson appeared stunned after the play but finished the game.

The suspension came after the NHL held a phone hearing with Scandella on Wednesday. Scandella was fined earlier this month after delivering a similar hit to the head of St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie, and in its video explaining the suspension the NHL said Scandella being a repeat offender was a factor in its decision.

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Scandella agreed to a five-year extension with the Wild before the game against the Blues in which he illegally hit Oshie. The 24-year-old has recorded a plus/minus of three this season and is averaging 21:53 of ice time.

Scandella will miss road games against the San Jose Sharks and Arizona Coyotes for his suspension.

The Wild have recorded 31 points in 26 games this season and are in fifth place in the Central Division.

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- Ben Estes