NEW YORK -- The NHL has suspended Washington Capitals defenceman John Erskine for three games for elbowing Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds.
Erskine was punished Saturday for a hit he delivered to Simmonds' face that sent him to the ice with a bloody nose late in the first period of Washington's 3-2 victory on Friday night.
Erskine wasn't penalized for the shot that knocked Simmonds out of the game.
Based on his average salary, Erskine will forfeit $24,324.33 to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
Erskine will miss two games against Pittsburgh and a matchup with Toronto. He will be eligible to return when the Capitals face Florida at home on Feb. 9.
