Penguins enforcer Laraque suspended 3 games for elbowing Sabres' Paetsch

TORONTO - The NHL has suspended Pittsburgh Penguins tough guy Georges Laraque three games for his vicious elbow to the face of Buffalo Sabres defenceman Nathan Paetsch.

Laraque got a five-minute elbowing penalty on the play in Wednesday night's 7-3 Penguins victory. Paetsch lay motionless for several minutes before being assisted to the dressing room. He is out indefinitely with a concussion.

"It was cheap shot," Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said after the game. "How is it that not suspendable, taking an elbow to the chin and (being knocked) out cold? Somebody would have to explain to me why it's not."

Laraque, who will forfeit $20,855 of his salary, is eligible to return March 22 against New Jersey.