NEW YORK -- The NHL slapped Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Deryk Engelland with a three-game suspension Thursday for hitting Chicago Blackhawks forward Marcus Kruger in the head during a game.
The incident took place during the first period of Pittsburgh's 3-2 over the Blackhawks on Tuesday night when Engelland led with his forearm in delivering a hit to Kruger's head. Kruger finished the period but didn't play after that.
Kruger sat out Chicago's 5-1 win over Montreal on Wednesday.
Engelland wasn't penalized on the play but will forfeit US$9,189.18 in salary.
He will miss games Friday at Winnipeg, Tuesday versus Carolina and Dec. 29 against Philadelphia. Engelland can return Dec. 31 at New Jersey.
