Flyers' Sestito suspended rest of preseason, two regular-season games

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Philadelphia Flyers forward Tom Sestito was suspended for the remainder of the preseason and two regular-season contests Wednesday by the NHL for delivering an illegal hit in an exhibition game.

As a result of the ban, Sestito will forfeit US$5,945.94 in pay.

Sestito was punished for hitting New York Rangers forward Andre Deveaux from behind during a preseason contest Sept. 26.

Brendan Shanahan, NHL senior vice-president of player safety, announced the suspension in a video posted on the league's website.

"Sestito actually increases his speed and makes contact directly with Deveaux's back, driving him hard in to the glass," Shanahan said in the video.

Sestito was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for boarding on the play.

"We've also taken into consideration that while Sestito is known as a very physical player, he's never been suspended in his NHL career," said Shanahan. "There was also no injury on the play."