NHL Suspends Tocchet For Third Time

NHL dean of discipline Brian Burke is compiling a hefty film reel of Rich Tocchet's greatest illegal hits.

The Phoenix Coyotes right wing was suspended for the third time this season by the league Sunday for deliberate intent to injure St. Louis Blues left wing Scott Pellerin with a high stick in Saturday's 4-3 win. Tocchet was assessed a match penalty.

In the second period, Pellerin was whistled for holding the volatile Tocchet, who turned and slashed Pellerin in the face.

As a result of the match penalty, the league automatically gives at least a one-game suspension and reviews the incident. The date of Tocchet's hearing will be determined on Monday.

The suspension will sideline Tocchet for at least Sunday night's key matchup with the Chicago Blackhawks. The Coyotes would clinch a playoff berth with a victory.

Prior to this incident, Tocchet was suspended a total of seven games for two separate kneeing incidents. He clipped Edmonton's Ryan Smyth in the knee and was levied a two-game penalty on January 21st, and took a five-game sabbatical just nine days later for going knee-to-knee with Detroit's Steve Yzerman.

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