NEW YORK -- Tampa Bay Lightning forward Yanni Gourde has been suspended for two games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Carolina Hurricanes forward Jordan Staal during NHL Game No. 1138 in Carolina on Thursday, March 21, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 14:05 of the first period. Gourde was assessed a match penalty for illegal check to the head.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Gourde will forfeit $10,752.68. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.