Capitals D Erskine given 3-game ban for elbowing Flyers RW Simmonds

Philadelphia Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds (17) leaves the ice after being injured against the Washington Capitals during the first period of an NHL hockey game on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, in Washington. The Capitals won 3-2. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

NEW YORK, N.Y. - The NHL has suspended Washington Capitals defenceman John Erskine for three games for elbowing Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds.

Erskine was punished Saturday for a hit he delivered to Simmonds' face that sent him to the ice with a bloody nose late in the first period of Washington's 3-2 victory on Friday night.

Erskine wasn't penalized for the shot that knocked Simmonds out of the game.

Based on his average salary, Erskine will forfeit $24,324.33 to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Erskine will miss two games against Pittsburgh and a matchup with Toronto. He will be eligible to return when the Capitals face Florida at home on Feb. 9.