Hurricanes Skinner suspended two games for kicking opponent

NEW YORK -- Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner has been suspended for two games without pay by the NHL for kicking St. Louis Blues forward Scott Nichol during a game.

The incident occurred at 19:03 of the second period of Carolina's 2-0 home victory Thursday night. Skinner was not assessed a penalty on the play. He later scored his 20th goal of the season.

Based on his salary, the suspension will cost Skinner $9,729.72, with the money going to the NHL's players' emergency assistance fund.