ON THE SIDELINES : Kings’ Robitaille Suspended for Four Games by the NHL

Robitaille, the Kings’ All-Star left wing, was suspended for four games by the NHL today as the result of a match penalty incurred in a game against Edmonton on Nov. 10.

Robitaille received the match penalty for attempting to injure Edmonton’s Craig Simpson with his stick during a second-period brawl.

“It is clear that Robitaille acted out of retaliation for a previous check and it is also clear that he struck the Edmonton player with considerable force, even though no injury resulted,” NHL Executive Vice President Bryan O’Neill said in a statement. “In addition, the act was deliberate and therefore the match penalty was the appropriate penalty.”

Under NHL by-laws, the suspension would begin on Nov. 22 unless the Kings choose to waive an appeal.