Canadiens' Lapierre suspended 4 games for late hit

Mar 6, 2010 - 12:25 AM TORONTO(AP) -- Montreal Canadiens center Maxim Lapierre has been suspended four games Friday for a hit on San Jose Sharks center Scott Nichol.

Lapierre knocked Nichol into the end boards 1:50 into the third period of the Sharks' 3-2 win Thursday night in San Jose.

Nichol was injured on the play and did not return to the game. Coach Todd McLellan said Friday that Nichol will likely be sidelined for 7 to 10 days. No penalty was assessed on the play.

Lapierre will lose more than $14,000 in pay, with the money going to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.