Senators' Ruutu Suspended two Games for Biting Incident

According to NHL.com, Ottawa Senators left wing Jarkko Ruutu has been suspended two games by the NHL for a biting incident that occurred during Ottawa's 4-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on January 6. The incident occurred during a first-period altercation between Ruutu and Sabres' left wing Andrew Peters along the boards. Television replays show that as the play moved up the boards, Peters began rubbing his glove in Ruutu's face. Ruutu then bit down on Peters' gloved thumb to get the Sabres' player away from him, breaking the skin in the process. Peters immediately retreated to the bench where he was tended to by the Sabres' medical staff. Ruutu denied biting Peters during an interview following the game. He will miss games on January 8 and 10 against the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, respectively. Ruutu will be eligible to return on January 13 when the Senators host the Carolina Hurricanes. This is the second time Ruutu has been suspended this season. He received a two-game suspension on November 12 for an elbow he delivered to the head of Montreal Canadiens' center Maxim Lapierre. Peters was assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for rubbing his glove in Ruutu's face. This move by Ruutu was completely uncalled for and is a big embarrassment to the NHL and himself. There were plenty of other ways he could have dealt with the situation instead of biting Peters. This incident just goes to show that Ruutu plays without any class and has no respect for his opponents on the ice. He should be ashamed of what he did.

Avery Suspended Indefinitely by the NHL

Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery has been suspended indefinitely by the NHL for a derogatory comment made toward the girlfriend of Calgary Flames' defenseman Dion Phaneuf on December 2, 2008. Avery made the comment on camera following the Stars' practice and just hours before the Stars and Flames were to play each other in Calgary. The comment Avery made appeared to have been premeditated, as he tried to hold back a smile and keep from laughing while he spoke. The Stars organization is so thoroughly disgusted with the comment that they are on the verge of cutting ties with Avery. The team signed him to a four-year contract this past summer. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and league disciplinarian Colin Campbell will hold a hearing in New York with Avery to determine a suspension on Thursday. Avery attempted to issue an apology to his teammates and the Stars' organization through the organization on Wednesday, but was rejected by the team. He issued an apology that was not sanctioned by the team on Wednesday, though. Avery has been the center of controversy since his rookie season in 2001-02. He has had verbal confrontations with fans and players on an off the ice, including racial slurs and derogatory comments about Jason Blake's bout with Leukemia, as well as giving a New York cameraman the middle finger last season. The comment by Avery shows how classless he really is. He has completely embarrassed himself, his team and teammates, and the whole league through his distasteful words and should be completely ashamed of what he said. He's nothing but a clown who likes to run his big mouth just to get attention. There is no place in the NHL for Avery's childish antics and the league needs to come down hard on him or he will continue to run his mouth. If the league punishes Avery harshly, it will teach him a lesson for being such an ass.

Peca Suspended Indefinitely After Making Contact with Ref

Columbus Blue Jackets' forward Michael Peca has been suspended indefinitely by the league after he made intentional, physical contact with an official on October 10. Peca had been knocked down by Dallas Stars' forward Brendan Morrow who then went on to score a goal. Peca complained to referee Greg Kimmerly about the lack of a penalty call on the play. In frustration, Peca swung his stick at the glass and allegedly hit a linesman when doing so. Peca is facing a multi-game suspension as a result of the contact. A lengthy suspension is the last thing the Blue Jackets need, as they're currently a bit depleted on their offense with injuries, especially at center. Jiri Novotny, Manny Malhotra, and Raffi Torres are all out with injuries, leaving the Blue Jackets without a lot of scoring and veteran depth. The absence of Peca just makes it worse, as he brings plenty of two-way play and veteran experience to the team.