CHICAGO — Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Alex Stalock left Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss to the New York Islanders after he was rammed into a goalpost by Casey Cizikas just 2:56 into the first period.
Stalock stopped Cizikas’ backhander as the forward cut in off right wing. Cizikas didn’t slow down, colliding hard with Stalock and propelling him into the right post.
Stalock remained sprawled on the ice for a couple of minutes, then skated to the bench. He was replaced by Arvid Soderblom. Cizikas was assessed a major penalty for goalie interference and a game misconduct.
The Blackhawks are already without top goaltender Petr Mrazek, who has a groin injury.
Across the ice, New York’s Ilya Sorokin made 21 saves and lost a bid for his second shutout in three starts when Jonathan Toews scored a power-play goal on a deflection midway through the third period.
Brock Nelson had a goal and an assist for the Islanders, who have now won four consecutive games. Anders Lee also scored, and Zach Parise added an empty-netter in the victory.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.