TORONTO (AP) -Montreal Canadiens forward Maxim Lapierre has been suspended four games for a late hit on San Jose Sharks forward Scott Nichol.
The NHL announced the discipline on Friday.
Lapierre knocked Nichol into the end boards 1:50 into the third period of the Sharks' 3-2 win Thursday night in San Jose.
Nichol was injured on the play and did not return to the game. No penalty was assessed on the play.
Lapierre will miss games at Los Angeles, at Anaheim, against Tampa and against Edmonton. He will be eligible to return March 13 against Boston.
He will lose more than $14,000 in pay, with the money going to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.