Hockey

Mike Rupp suspended 4 games

Veteran Minnesota Wild forward Mike Rupp was suspended four games by the NHL on Friday for an illegal check to the head of the Blues' T.J. Oshie.

Blues forward T.J. Oshie hurt on play

St. Louis Blues right wing T.J. Oshie lies on the ice after being injured in the second period on Thursda. (Ann Heisenfelt/The Associated Press)

Veteran Minnesota Wild forward Mike Rupp was suspended four games by the NHL on Friday for an illegal check to the head.

Rupp hit St. Louis forward T.J. Oshie high midway through the second period of the Wild's victory on Thursday night.

Rupp was playing for the first time in 24 games for Minnesota.

Blues coach Ken Hitchcock said after the game that Oshie was day-to-day with his head injury.

The club called up Ty Rattie on Friday for their game against Dallas.

Rupp, 34, will be suspended for Minnesota's final regula- season game this weekend, plus their first three playoff games.

He will also forfeit just under $7,700 US in salary.

It is the first official ruling with Stephane Quintal at the helm of the NHL Department of Player Safety. Quintal has assumed the role through the playoffs as predecessor Brendan Shanahan has been hired as president of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Here's the NHL's explanation for the decision: