Associated Press,
TORONTO (AP) - Nashville Predators forward Scott Nichol has been suspended five games by the NHL for a blow to the head of Montreal defenseman Patrice Brisebois.

Nichol will be eligible to return Dec. 15 at Colorado and will lose $45,732 in salary for Saturday's incident.

"The crosscheck by Mr. Nichol to the head area of his opponent was reckless and dangerous," said Colin Campbell, NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations. "Although no serious injury resulted, the action is unacceptable."

Nichol, who was suspended nine games last December, is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Last December, Nichol was suspended nine games for his sucker-punch to the head of Buffalo defenseman Jaroslav Spacek and lost $25,267 in salary.