TORONTO - The NHL has suspended Ottawa Senators forward Jarkko Ruutu for two games after an alleged biting incident during a game Tuesday night against the Buffalo Sabres.
The NHL made the announcement Wednesday but didn't give a specific reason for the suspension. But Buffalo forward Andrew Peters said the Senators player bit through his gloved thumb in the first period of the Sabres' 4-2 win.
Ruutu denied he bit Peters although replays seem to show him chomping down on the player's glove.
Peters, who doubled over in pain and clutched his thumb, was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct for sparking the altercation. Ruutu was not penalized.
This marks the second time this season Ruutu has been disciplined by the NHL. He was suspended for two games without pay in November for elbowing Montreal's Maxim Lapierre.
As a result of the latest suspension, Ruutu will forfeit US $31,707.32 in salary.
Ruutu will miss Thursday's game at Boston and Saturday's contest versus the New York Rangers. He will be eligible to return for Tuesday night's game against the Carolina Hurricanes.
