NHL suspends Senators forward Jarkko Ruutu two games for elbow

TORONTO - Jarkko Ruutu is the latest NHLer to be disciplined for a dangerous hit.

The Ottawa Senators forward received a two-game suspension Wednesday after catching Montreal's Maxim Lapierre with an elbow early in the third period of a game on Tuesday night.

"I think it was a deliberate head shot," Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau said Wednesday after his team's practice. "We all know what kind of player he is, so I'll leave it at that."

Earlier this week, the NHL suspended Habs forward Tom Kostopoulos three games for hitting Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Van Ryn from behind.

Ruutu was given a two-minute penalty for charging on the play.

"I don't know if the number of games should be influenced (by a player's reputation)," Carbonneau said. "But I definitely think if it's the kind of player where these things happen a lot, it should definitely enter into the equation."

Ruutu will forfeit almost US$14,000 in salary and will sit out a home-and-home series against the New York Islanders.

Lapierre wasn't available for comment. He practised and was expected to play Thursday night in Boston.