Islanders forward Casey Cizikas suspended one game

In their ruling, the NHL Department of Player Safety noted that “Cizikas, having tracked Smith from behind and having seen nothing but Smith’s number for sometime, finishes a check directly through the back of Smith, sending him dangerously into the wall.”

Cizikas was penalized on the play, while Smith left the game and didn’t return.

Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour didn’t have an update on Smith following the game.

Appearing in 63 games this year, Cizikas, 31, has scored nine goals and 14 points. He had never been fined or suspended in his 653 game NHL career.

He’ll miss the Islanders’ Saturday night game against the St. Louis Blues.