Blackhawks LW Eager suspended

Mar 22, 2009 - 12:28 AM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Chicago Blackhawks left wing Ben Eager is getting another unpaid vacation.

Eager on Saturday was handed a three-game suspension by the NHL for his actions in Friday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

The 25-year-old Eager, who also received a three-game ban during the preseason, delivered a blow to the head of Edmonton's Liam Reddox 7 1/2 minutes into the third period. No penalty was assessed on the play, which sidelined Reddox for the remainder of the game.

In addition to the suspension, Eager will forfeit $21,951.21 of his salary. He will be eligible to return to Chicago's lineup on March 29 against Vancouver.

The 6-2, 220-pound Eager has recorded a career-high 10 goals, four assists and 139 penalty minutes in 66 games this season. Drafted 23rd overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2002, the native of Ottawa has registered 19 tallies, 35 points and 479 penalty minutes in 186 career contests with the Philadelphia Flyers and Blackhawks.