Leaf Suspended for Three Games

Toronto defenseman Mathieu Schneider received a three-game NHL suspension for throwing the elbow that led to Paul Kariya’s concussion Wednesday night during the Ducks’ 3-2 victory.

Schneider already sat out one game, missing a loss to the Kings on Thursday, and won’t play at Phoenix tonight or against Buffalo at home on Tuesday.

Duck Coach Ron Wilson seemed satisfied with the length of the suspension after calling for supplementary discipline. Kariya is out for at least two games and will be reevaluated Monday before doctors decide when he might be able to return.

Schneider, a well-regarded player in the league, had never drawn an NHL suspension before and Maple Leaf officials hoped that would aid his case.

*

Former Russian great Sergei Makarov, 38, played his first NHL game in more than a season, suiting up for the Stars after signing a $300,000 contract last month. A key figure in the San Jose Sharks’ playoff runs a few seasons ago, Makarov was cut by the Sharks before last season and never officially retired. Stars General Manager Bob Gainey spotted him practicing as an assistant coach with Russia’s World Cup team and signed him.