Paul Cotter of the New Jersey Devils will not play for the rest of the regular season.
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced that the Devils` forward is suspended for two games. This decision comes after Cotter delivered an illegal check to the head of Adam Pelech from the New York Islanders in their Sunday game.
With only two games remaining on the Devils` schedule, this suspension effectively ends Cotter`s regular season.
During Sunday`s game, Cotter was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. The penalty occurred in the second period when Cotter moved towards Pelech as he was sending the puck into the Islanders` offensive zone, resulting in a collision.
Pelech was visibly bleeding after the hit and left the game, expressing his displeasure towards Cotter. He did not return to play.
Following the game, Islanders head coach Patrick Roy commented on the incident, stating that the team does not like to see hits of that nature, although he did not provide a specific update on Pelech`s condition.
This is the first time in Cotter`s four NHL seasons, spanning 271 games, that he has faced a fine or suspension. This is his first season playing for New Jersey.
