Pens’ Rust suspended 3 games for illegal check
NEW YORK (AP) — Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust has been suspended three games for an illegal check to the head of Vancouver’s Brock Boeser.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced the ban Tuesday following a disciplinary hearing with Rust, who will be out Thursday against Chicago, Saturday against the New York Rangers and Monday against Ottawa. He’s eligible to return next Tuesday at the New York Islanders.
Rust lifted his right shoulder into Boeser’s head in the final seconds of the Penguins’ game at the Canucks on Sunday, which they won 3-2. Boeser is out at least a week after going on injured reserve.
Rust will forfeit $80,078 in salary with that money going to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
The Penguins also will be playing without defenseman Jack St. Ivany, who underwent successful surgery on his left hand.
The surgery was performed by Dr. John Fowler in collaboration with head team physician Dr. Dharmesh Vyas at UPMC Mercy Hospital. The expected recovery time is up to eight weeks.
St. Ivany has a career-best seven assists in 17 games.