NHL Suspends Stars' Hatcher

April 17, 1999 / 4:41 PM EDT / AP

Dallas defenseman Derian Hatcher was suspended Saturday by the NHL for seven games, including the Stars' first five playoff contests, for hitting Phoenix center Jeremy Roenick in the head.

Hatcher's playoff suspension is the longest in league history, surpassing the four games that Adam Graves received in the 1992 postseason.

Hatcher broke Roenick's jaw during the first period of Wednesday's game when he left his feet and hit Roenick with his arm and shoulder.

Hatcher received a five-minute boarding penalty and a game misconduct, the second penalty requiring an automatic review by the NHL.

"It is clear that Mr. Hatcher intended to deliver a blow to the head of Mr. Roenick by leaving his feet immediately prior to the hit," said NHL Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "As well, the severity of the injury to Mr. Roenick was considered, as was the fact that Mr. Hatcher has been suspended by the league on previous occasions."

Roenick's jaw was dislocated and broken in three places, with eight teeth cracked or broken. He is expected to miss the entire playoffs.

Hatcher missed Saturday's game in Phoenix and will sit out the regular season finale Sunday in Colorado.

Suspensions from playoffs had been rare until recently.

Colorado's Joe Sakic was suspended one postseason game last season and a pair of Red Wings, Bob Errey and Dino Ciccarelli, were suspended in 1996.

It was Hatcher's second suspension in the last 18 months. He was forced to sit out four games in September of 1988 for a cross-check on St. Louis' Chris Pronger.