Blues’ Robert Bortuzzo suspended four games for cross-check on Arvidsson

Watch as Robert Bortuzzo levels Viktor Arvidsson from behind with a dangerous looking crosscheck, Arvidsson did later leave the game.

St. Louis Blues defenceman Robert Bortuzzo was suspended four games by the NHL Department of Player Safety on Sunday for his cross-checks on Nashville Predators winger Viktor Arvidsson.

The incident occurred early in the first period of Saturday’s game between St. Louis and Nashville. Bortuzzo cross-checked Arvidsson, who tumbled hard into the Blues’ net.

A referee quickly motioned for a penalty call, after which a frustrated Bortuzzo cross-checked Arvidsson again in what appeared to be the forward’s lower back.

Nashville announced Sunday that Arvidsson will miss four-to-six weeks with a lower body injury.

Bortuzzo, 30, has been suspended twice before. In September 2018, he sat out two pre-season games and one regular season game for elbowing Capitals defenceman Michal Kempny in the head. And in December 2014, Bortuzzo was suspended two games for a high hit on Jaromir Jagr.

The latest incident will cost Bortuzzo — who is earning $1.375 million this season — more than $67,000.

The Blues and Predators will rematch in Nashville on Monday. Bortuzzo will be eligible to return Dec. 2 at Chicago.

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