Friday, 05.03.2010 / 6:18 PM / News

NHL.com

PRESS RELEASE

TORONTO – Montreal Canadiens forward Maxim Lapierre has been suspended for four games, without pay, for a late hit on San Jose Sharks forward Scott Nichol during NHL game #949, last night, the National Hockey league announced today.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Lapierre will forfeit $14,248.72. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

At 1:50 of the third period, Lapierre knocked Nichols into the end boards with a late, careless hit. Nichol was injured on the play and did not return to the game. No penalty was assessed on the play.

Lapierre will miss games on March 6 at Los Angeles, March 7 at Anaheim, March 9 against Tampa and March 11 against Edmonton. He will be eligible to return March 13 against Boston.