Canadiens RW Kostopoulos suspended three games

Nov 10, 2008 - 10:37 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- Montreal Canadiens right wing Tom Kostopoulos has been suspended three games for a hit from behind on Toronto defenseman Mike Van Ryn in Saturday's game at the Air Canada Centre.

Seven minutes into the first period, Kostopoulos slammed Van Ryn face first into the boards.

Van Ryn is expected to miss a month after suffering a concussion, broken nose and broken hand. He was taken off the ice on a stretcher.

Kostopoulos received a roughing minor, a boarding major and game misconduct.

"While it was determination that Kostopoulos did not deliver a check to an unsuspecting opponent, his actions caused injuries," NHL executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell said.

Kostopoulos said after the game that he had no malicious intent and planned to call Van Ryn.

"I was trying to get in there and get the puck," he said. "I didn't anticipate him turning and I couldn't stop myself. And I hope he's all right."

The incident seemed to fire up the Maple Leafs, who went on to post a 6-3 victory over the Canadiens. Montreal has lost consecutive games for the first time this season.

"It was a dirty hit and it's something that can't happen in the game," Toronto center Matt Stajan told the team's web site. "Luckily, we made them pay."

Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Kostopoulos is considered a repeat offender and will forfeit $32,926 in salary.