Sabres' Barnaby Suspended

Buffalo Sabres right wing Matthew Barnaby was suspended four games and fined $1,000 by the NHL Thursday for his blow to the head of Boston Bruins forward P.J. Axelsson in Tuesday's game.

Barnaby hit Axelsson in the second period of Buffalo's 4-2 home victory and was likely given a heavy suspension for his history of rough play.

"It is clear that Mr. Barnaby delivered a dangerous blow to his opponent's head," said NHL senior vice president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell.

In 10 games this season, the 25-year-old Barnaby has 36 penalty minutes and one goal with four assists.

It is the second time in eight days that the NHL has suspended a player for hitting Axelsson. Montreal defenseman Dave Manson was levied a three-game ban for his hit on the 23-year-old Swedish right wing October 28th. Axelsson has a goal and two assists in 11 games without a penalty this season.

© 1998 SportsLine USA, Inc. All rights reserved