Canadiens’ Georges Laraque Suspended Five Games

TORONTO — The NHL suspended Montreal Canadiens enforcer Georges Laraque five games for a hit on Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall.

Laraque received the suspension for an incident on Nov. 21 against the Red Wings when he collided with Kronwall, resulting in a leg-on-leg, open-ice hit.

The NHL said Laraque, who was assessed a minor penalty for tripping on the play, deliberately extended his knee and, through his actions, caused an injury to Kronwall.

Kronwall will be out four to eight weeks with a sprained ligament in his left knee because of the hit.

Laraque will lose $38,860 in salary over five games. He will be eligible to return Dec. 4 against Boston.