Engelland suspended five games for illegal check

NEW YORK -- Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland has been suspended for five games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader during NHL Game No. 491 in Detroit on Saturday, Dec. 14, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 19:30 of the first period. Engelland was assessed a match penalty for an illegal check to the head.

Based on his average annual salary, Engelland will forfeit $14,529.90. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=514993&lang=en.