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Wings' Maltby Suspended


Detroit Red Wings left wing Kirk Maltby was suspended for four games by the NHL on Wednesday for a slash that broke the right forearm of Colorado Avalanche left wing Valeri Kamensky.

The slash came in the third period of the Red Wings' 3-1 victory on Sunday, causing a fracture that will sideline Kamensky for up to 12 weeks.

"Though the slash was a short chop to Mr. Kamensky's forearm, not a baseball-type swing, and was represented by Mr. Maltby as an attempt to prevent Mr. Kamensky from reaching the front of the Detroit net, a serious injury resulted," NHL senior vice president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell said. "Mr. Maltby is accountable for the consequence of using his stick in a dangerous manner."

Maltby will miss games Wednesday night against Phoenix, Friday at Tampa Bay, Sunday at Philadelphia and March 24 against Buffalo. He will be eligible to return March 26 against Tampa Bay.

The suspension will cost him $9,375 in lost salary.

The 26-year-old Maltby, one of Detroit's most physical forwards, has six goals and six assists in 43 games this season.

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