Ducks forward Perry suspended four games for late hit on Wild's Zucker

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry has been suspended for four games for elbowing Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker in the head.

Zucker was helped off the ice after the late hit in the second period of the Ducks' 2-1 win over the Wild on Tuesday. He did not return.

Perry was assessed a major penalty for interference and a game misconduct on the play. He will forfeit US$115,135.12 in salary

The incident occurred when Perry dipped his shoulder and threw an elbow at Zucker's head, sending him crashing into the corner boards. Zucker stayed down on the ice for about five minutes as he was helped by trainers.

The league said it accepted Perry's assertion that he did not intend to hurt Zucker, but said the hit was reckless and avoidable.