Graham Hughes
Devils defenceman Anton Volchenkov was suspended for three games by the NHL on Wednesday for delivering a blow to the head of Hurricanes forward Zach Boychuk.
The incident occurred midway through the second period of Tuesday night's game. Volchenkov was given a minor penalty for elbowing on the play.
"While he has not been involved in a supplemental discipline incident previously and it is fortunate that his opponent returned to play in the game, Volchenkov delivered an illegal blow to the head," said Colin Campbell, the league's senior executive vice-president of hockey operations.
Volchenkov, who will forfeit $68,548.38 in salary, is eligible to return Feb. 18 against the New York Rangers.