Predators forward and former Blackhawk Ryan Hartman suspended for Game 5

If the Predators, who hold a 3-1 lead, want to advance in their first-round playoff series against the Avalanche on Friday, they will have to do it without former Blackhawks forward Ryan Hartman.

The NHL Department of Player Safety slapped Hartman with a one-game suspension Thursday for illegally checking Avalanche forward Carl Soderberg in Game 4 the previous night.

Hartman, 23, will miss Game 5 Friday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. This is his first suspension at the NHL level.

During the third period in the Predators’ 3-2 win Wednesday, Hartman delivered a clear blow to Soderberg’s head. The on-ice officials gave Hartman a two-minute minor.

You can watch the hit below:

The Hawks dealt Hartman at the trade deadline in February. Hartman has 11 goals and 20 assists this season, eight of those goals were scored during his 56 games with the Hawks.