Report: Flyers LW Cote suspended

Dec 3, 2007 - 10:08 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- For the fifth time this season, a member of the Philadelphia Flyers has been suspended by the National Hockey League.

Flyers left wing Riley Cote was suspended three games for Saturday's hit on Dallas Stars defenseman Matt Niskanen, according to a report Monday on TSN of Canada.

The 25-year-old Cote was given a match penalty for the high elbow during the third period of an eventual 4-1 loss to the Stars.

Any player assessed a match penalty is automatically suspended, pending a review by the league. Philadelphia general manager Paul Holmgren knows his team is under the microscope of the league.

"I talked to (NHL commissioner Gary Bettman) today," Holmgren told the Philadelphia Daily News. "He thinks, like I do, that these are different coincidences, different situations, that have to be viewed differently.

"But the question was raised about ramifications if it happens again. So obviously we're under watch."

After Saturday's game, Cote said he expected to receive a call from the league.

"I know it's coming," the Winnipeg, Manitoba native said. "It looks terrible, especially from a guy like me. I need to be smarter than that. I had no intentions of hurting anyone. I was just trying to do my job and I made a mistake."

Cote's suspension is the latest in a rash of suspensions for the Flyers.

Last week, left wing Scott Hartnell was suspended two games without pay 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.

The game was the first between the teams since Boston center Patrice Bergeron suffered a concussion and broken nose after being hit by Philadelphia defenseman 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.