Defenseman David Shaw of the New York...

Defenseman David Shaw of the New York Rangers was suspended for 12 games by the National Hockey League for slashing Pittsburgh Penguins star Mario Lemieux.

Lemieux, the league’s leading scorer, suffered a bruised chest from the slash during the Sunday’s Rangers-Penguins game. Shaw received a 5-minute major penalty and a match penalty.

In Buffalo, where the Rangers played Wednesday night, New York Coach Michel Bergeron said, “I think it’s a severe suspension. He’s a clean player. It’s the first time he’s ever used his stick.

“David doesn’t have a bad reputation. He’s a great guy.”