Dallas Stars forward James Neal has been handed a two-game suspension by the National Hockey League for his hit from behind on Columbus Blue Jackets forward Derek Dorsett in the second period of Thursday's game.
Dorsett was among a group of players battling along the wall for the puck when Neal came charging in. Neal appeared to leave his feet to deliver a blow to Blue Jackets defenceman Marc Methot, but instead hit Dorsett in the back. The force of the blow drove Dorsett face-first into the glass; he fell to the ice and could not get up.
Neal received a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct.
The Stars' leading goal scorer will sit out home games Saturday and Monday against New Jersey and Carolina, respectively.
In 19 games this season, the second-year forward has 11 goals and 11 assists.
