NHL suspends Buffalo Sabres D Tyler Myers 3 games for illegal hit on Montreal's Scott Gomez

BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Buffalo Sabres will have to continue their playoff push without top defenceman Tyler Myers, who has been suspended without pay by the NHL for three games for an illegal hit from behind.

League disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan issued the ruling Tuesday, after holding a hearing with Myers over a minor boarding penalty he received in the third period of a 3-2 overtime win against Montreal a day earlier.

Shanahan ruled Canadiens forward Scott Gomez had his back turned and was defenceless when Myers struck him from behind and into the boards. Under league rules, Shanahan said the onus was on Myers to avoid the hit.

Myers scored the decisive goal 2:01 into overtime.

Myers forfeits $14,189.19 in salary in serving a suspension that begins Wednesday, when the Sabres host Colorado.