James Neal suspended 5 games by NHL

Pittsburgh Penguins left-winger James Neal has been suspended five games for kneeing Boston forward Brad Marchand in Saturday’s 3-2 loss.

At 11:06 of the first period, Neal struck Marchand when the latter was on the ice and was assessed a minor penalty.

NHL director of player safety Brendan Shanahan said in explaining the suspension that Neal had a clear view of Marchand on the ice and did not attempt to get out of his way.

The suspension will cost Neal $128,205.15 US.

Click below to listen to Shanahan's decision for Neal's suspension.

Bruins forwards Loui Eriksson and Chris Kelly were also injured in the Pittsburgh game.

Eriksson suffered a concussion after being hit by Penguins defenceman Brooks Orpik and did not travel to Toronto for the start of the Bruins' four-game road trip on Sunday.

Boston placed Kelly on long-term injured reserve after breaking his right fibula against Pittsburgh.

Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton will have a in-person disciplinary hearing with the NHL for punching Orpik and sending him to hospital.