NHL suspends Canadiens enforcer Laraque five games for hit on Kronwall

TORONTO - Montreal Canadiens enforcer Georges Laraque has been suspended five games, the NHL announced Monday.

Laraque received the suspension for an incident on Nov. 21. against the Red Wings when Laraque collided with Detroit defenceman Niklas Kronwall resulting in a leg-on-leg, open-ice hit.

The NHL said Laraque, who was assessed a minor penalty for tripping on the play, deliberately extended his knee and, through his actions, caused an injury to Kronwall.

The Red Wings blue-liner will be out four to eight weeks with a sprained ligament in his left knee because of the hit.

Laraque will forfeit US$38,860 in salary over five games. He will be eligible to return Dec. 4 against Boston.