NHL suspends Islanders assistant coach Thompson for 2 games for abuse of officials

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Islanders assistant coach Brent Thompson was given a two-game suspension by the NHL on Friday for abusive comments he made following New York's overtime loss to the New York Rangers on Thursday night.

Thompson was assessed a game misconduct after the Rangers beat the Islanders with a power-play goal by Marian Gaborik.

The NHL said in a statement that Thompson will miss the next two games because of "inappropriate and abusive comments" he directed at on-ice officials.

The Rangers received the only three power plays in the game and converted on the last one seconds after a penalty was called when defenceman Michael Del Zotto was hauled down as he drove to the net.

Thompson will miss a home game against Washington on Saturday and a game at Pittsburgh on Sunday.