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Zac Rinaldo suspended 5 games by NHL for hit to head

Cedric Paquette (13) took a shot to the head from the Bruins' Zac Rinaldo. David Banks/USA TODAY Sports

Boston Bruins forward Zac Rinaldo was issued a five-game suspension on Tuesday for his check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning center Cedric Paquette.

Rinaldo had a hearing with the NHL department of safety on Tuesday.

He was issued a minor penalty for an illegal check to the head in the first period of a 4-1 loss in Boston on Sunday.

Paquette was playing the puck in his own corner when Rinaldo caught him with a high hit across the right side of his head. Paquette left the game before returning to action.

Rinaldo, who was also suspended for eight games last year, was considered a repeat offender. The suspension will cost him $51,829, which goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.