Belak suspended for two games
TORONTO (CP) -- Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Wade Belak was suspended for two games Wednesday for elbowing while Phoenix defenceman Todd Simpson received a three-game ban for high-sticking.
Belak was handed a five-minute major and a game misconduct on Tuesday night for elbowing Washington's Brendan Witt in the head during the Leafs' 5-4 win over the Capitals.
"I think he (Belak) was protecting himself," said Leafs coach Pat Quinn in defence of his player.
Belak, who is eligible to return Dec. 3 against Tampa Bay, will forfeit $8,555.56 US in salary, which will be donated to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
Simpson received a match penalty for attempt to injure, which carries an automatic one-game suspension, when he high-sticked Rob DiMaio at 18:54 of the third period during Monday's Stars-Coyotes game .
"DiMaio was hassling (Daymond) Langkow, one of our best players, so I stepped in and hit him, and as soon as I did, (Manny) Malholtra jumped me, so I don't know how it's a match penalty," Simpson said after the game.
Simpson, who will lose $24,166.68, can also return Dec. 3 against San Jose.
