Blades’ Armstrong suspended four games for Game 2 hit on Rebels goalie

The WHL has suspended Saskatoon Blades forward Easton Armstrong for four games following a collision with Red Deer Rebels goaltender Chase Wutzke in the third period of a WHL playoff game Sunday.

Armstrong was assessed a charging major and a game misconduct for the hit on Wutzke in Game 2 of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal. Armstrong was pursuing a rebound when he collided with the goalie.

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Initially, the league had listed the length of Armstrong’s suspension as “to be determined” and he missed Game 3 on Tuesday night.

Because Armstrong missed that contest — which Saskatoon won 8-5 — it counts towards his four-game ban.

The Blades hold a 3-0 series lead against the Rebels and can end the series Wednesday night with a victory in Red Deer. If the Blades advance, Armstrong’s suspension will carry over to the first two games of the Eastern Conference final.