Flyers LW Hartnell suspended two games

Nov 27, 2007 - 9:56 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- Philadelphia Flyers left wing Scott Hartnell was suspended two games without pay on Tuesday for his hit on Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Alberts.

Hartnell was given a five-minute boarding penalty and a game misconduct for checking Alberts head first into the boards during Monday's 6-3 loss to the Bruins. Alberts left the game with an unspecified head injury.

Hartnell, who is the fourth Flyers player to be suspended this season, will forfeit $4,919.78 in game checks and will be eligible to return December 5 vs. Minnesota.

"It appears that Mr. Hartnell was attempting to let up on delivering a check to an opponent that was in a vulnerable position," NHL senior executive vice president Colin Campbell said.

"However, at the point of contact, he did deliver a blow to the head of Mr. Alberts that resulted in an injury," he said.

For his part, Hartnell said the hit was unintentional.

"If you look at the video and the time of the game, I wasn't trying to hurt the guy," Hartnell said. "I pulled up and did just try to rub into the guy but his head was right on that dasher board there. It was unfortunate. It was a split decision to make a play, and unfortunately he was down."

Monday's game was the first contest between the teams since Boston center Patrice Bergeron suffered a concussion and broken nose after being hit by Philadelphia Randy Jones, who was suspended for two games.

In the preseason, Steve Downie was suspended for 20 games after he hit Ottawa's Dean McAmmond, leaving him with a concussion.

Last month, Jesse Boulerice was handed a 25-game suspension for cross-checking Vancouver's Ryan Kesler in the face.