Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - The NHL came down hard Sunday on Calgary, suspending goalie Jamie McLennan for five games and fining coach Jim Playfair $25,000 and the team $100,000 for actions late in Game 5 of the Flames' first-round series against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

McLennan was given a match penalty for slashing Detroit's Johan Franzen in the midsection at 17:01 of the third period, one of four penalties the Flames were assessed for aggressive and illegal use of the stick (slashing or cross-checking) in the closing minutes of the Red Wings' 5-1 victory.

"In our pre-playoff conference calls with the coaches and general managers of the respective organizations, we addressed a number of topics and one of them was actions late in the game when the score was out of hand," NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell said. "The coach and the organization must be held accountable for the players' actions."

McLennan's suspension was to begin with Game 6 Sunday night in Calgary. Detroit led the series 3-2.

He should have known better than to do what he did and I think emotions got to him. But I think it's a fair suspension. It's something that he shouldn't have done but what can you say? Hopefully he learns from this.

That was crazy by Mclennan, why can't these guys learn that they can not do things like this. Especially for a back-up goalie. No way this guy is getting a new contract with the Flames if he doesn't already have one.

McLennan that was a no brainer.

Personally I think Ignla should have got some time, too. Him butt-ending in the last minute of the game was uncalled for.

John