NHL suspends Penguins forward Ponikarovsky two games for boarding penalty

TORONTO - The Pittsburgh Penguins won't have forward Alexei Ponikarovsky in the lineup for their final two games of the regular season.

He was handed a two-game suspension by the National Hockey League on Friday.

Ponikarovsky was given a major penalty for boarding after his hit on Josh Bailey in the third period of Pittsburgh's 7-3 win over the New York Islanders on Thursday night.

Ponikarovsky also received a game misconduct. Bailey was injured on the play.

Ponikarovsky has 50 points (21-29) in 77 games this season. He will forfeit US$21,813.48 in salary.