Flyers' Hartnell suspended for two games

TSN.ca Staff

11/27/2007 4:11:02 PM

Philadephia Flyers' winger Scott Hartnell has been suspended for two games for his hit on Boston Bruins' defenceman Andrew Alberts Monday night.

Hartnell was given a five-minute boarding penalty and a game misconduct for the hit and Alberts left the game with an unspecified head injury. He is expected to undergo further evaluation on Tuesday.

''It appears that Mr. Hartnell was attempting to let up on delivering a check to an opponent that was in a vulnerable position,'' NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell said in a statement on Tuesday. ''However, at the point of contact, he did deliver a blow to the head of Mr. Alberts that resulted in an injury.''

Hartnell said that the hit on Alberts was not deliberate.

"I did not try to hurt him," Hartnell said after the game. "There was no intent at all. I am not that type of player. If you look at all the games this year and past years, I finish my checks every time I have an opportunity."

It was the first game between the two teams since Bruins' centre Patrice Bergeron suffered a concussion and broken nose as a result of being hit from behind by Flyers' defenceman Randy Jones, who was suspended for two games.

This is the fourth incident involving the Flyers this season that has led to a suspension. In the preseason, Steve Downie was suspended for 20 games after he launched himself at Ottawa Senators' forward Dean McAmmond, leaving him with a concussion.

Last month, Jesse Boulerice was handed a 25-game suspension for cross-checking Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks in the face.