TORONTO — The NHL suspended Pittsburgh Penguins forward Alexei Ponikarovsky for the final two regular-season games Friday for a hit during a contest against the New York Islanders.

Ponikarovsky received a major penalty for boarding after a hit on Josh Bailey in the third period of the Penguins' 7-3 win Thursday night.

Ponikarovsky also received a game misconduct. He will forfeit $21,813.48 in salary.

The Penguins are tied with the New Jersey Devils for first place in the Atlantic Division. They have games at Atlanta Saturday and at the Islanders Sunday.

By The Associated Press