Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa avoids suspension for Hamhuis hit

TORONTO - Marian Hossa will be in Chicago's lineup for Game 6 against Nashville.

The Blackhawks forward learned Sunday that he would not be suspended for his hit on Predators defenceman Dan Hamhuis late in Game 5. Hossa received a five-minute penalty after pushing Hamhuis into the end boards on Saturday afternoon with a hit that was similar to the one that earned Alex Ovechkin a two-game suspension last month.

However, league disciplinarian Colin Campbell decided against punishing Hossa.

"This play is distinguishable from recent incidents by a number of factors," Campbell said in a statement.

He noted that Hamhuis wasn't seriously injured like Blackhawks defenceman Brian Campbell, who hasn't returned to the lineup since being hit by Ovechkin. The league's disciplinarian also said Hossa isn't a repeat offender and was correctly punished with a major penalty on the play.

After serving the penalty in Game 5, Hossa returned to score the overtime winner to give Chicago a 3-2 series lead.

Game 6 goes Monday night in Nashville.