THE SIDELINES : NHL Suspends Jets’ Taglianetti

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Peter Taglianetti was suspended for five games today for what the league said was a deliberate attempt to injure Buffalo Sabres center Christian Ruuttu.

Brian O’Neill, the NHL’s executive vice president, said that although no serious injury occurred and Taglianetti does not have a previous record of major stick fouls, his attack on Ruuttu was no accident.

“It is clear that he was retaliating and that his action was deliberate,” O’Neill said. “Players must understand that retaliation is not an excuse for the irresponsible use of their stick.”

The incident occurred during last Tuesday night’s game in Winnipeg, and Taglianetti drew a match penalty for high-sticking Ruuttu in the face.

The Jets defenseman had a hearing Friday.