NEW YORK – Islanders defenseman James Wisniewski was suspended Tuesday by the NHL for two games because of an obscene gesture he made toward Sean Avery during a game.
Wisniewski will sit out games at Washington on Wednesday, and at Pittsburgh on Friday for his actions that were caught on tape in the first period of Monday's 6-4 victory over the Rangers.
During a stoppage of play in the first period, Wisniewski and Avery chirped at each other. Wisniewski then made a gesture with his hand, directed at Avery. Wisniewski said he didn't remember making a gesture, but video of the incident was on the YouTube website before the game was over.
"A lot of actions on the ice are regrettable," Wisniewski said in a statement. "I've been given a suspension from the league, and I'm going to accept it and move on from here."
While playing for Anaheim last season, Wisniewski was suspended on March 17 for eight games after he knocked Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook out of a game with a hard check into the glass.
Wisniewski is now considered a repeat offender under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. Because of that he will lose two games' salary worth $79,268.30 instead of two days' salary.