Buffalo Sabres defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen has been suspended three games for interference on Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel, the NHL department of player safety announced.

Ristolainen was handed a five-minute major for interference after hitting an unsuspecting Guentzel in the neutral zone midway through the first period of the Penguins’ 3-1 win over the Sabres on Tuesday.

Guenztel skated out of the defensive zone along the boards and turned back to track an attempted pass from Sidney Crosby. The pass was intercepted at the blue line and while Guentzel continued to coast through the neutral zone, he was met by Ristolainen with a big body check.

Guentzel collapsed to the ice and required help off the ice. The 22-year-old was also cut on the play and appeared to have blood on his forehead and visor. 

Sabres coach Dan Bylsma said after the game he didn’t think Ristolainen deserved to be ejected.

"I don't like the fact that he got ejected," Bylsma said. "It's an unfortunate hit."

The Penguins announced after the game that Guentzel suffered a concussion.

Ristolainen, who leads Sabres in assists with 39 this season, will forfeit $90,000 to the Player's Emergency Assistance Fund.

The 22-year-old also leads the Sabres in average ice time at 26:43 per game. He is eligible to return on April 2 against the New York Islanders.