Messier, DeBrusk Draw Suspensions

Mark Messier of the New York Rangers and Louie DeBrusk of Edmonton both have been suspended by the NHL.

Messier received a two-game suspension without pay and was fined $1,000 for hitting from behind against the Florida Panthers’ Mike Hough on Sunday.

Messier got a major penalty and a game misconduct in the incident.

NHL senior vice president Brian Burke said, “The fact that no injury resulted on the play is fortuitous but does not excuse the dangerous type of hit by Mr. Messier against his opponent.”

In addition to Tuesday night’s game in Florida, Messier will miss a game Thursday against Dallas.

DeBrusk was suspended from Tuesday night’s game at Toronto for a slashing incident against Vancouver’s Dana Murzyn on Sunday. A hearing will be held today to determine if the suspension should be extended beyond one game.

DeBrusk received a match penalty for deliberately attempting to injury Murzyn on the play.

The two were behind the net when Murzyn elbowed DeBrusk. Murzyn skated away when DeBrusk slashed Murzyn on the forearm. Murzyn got an elbowing penalty.

*

Right wing Claude Lemieux of the Colorado Avalanche will be out for about a week with a pulled groin muscle. “Claude is experiencing some pain when he plays and we have decided to give him a week of rest,” said team trainer Pat Karns.