Devils’ Paul Cotter suspended two games for high hit on Islanders’ Pelech

Paul Cotter‘s regular season is over.

The New Jersey Devils centre was suspended two games Monday for an illegal check to the head on Adam Pelech of the New York Islanders on Sunday, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced.

The Devils have two games left on their schedule.

Cotter received a five-minute major and game misconduct midway through the second period after he rushed toward Pelech, who was dumping the puck into New York’s offensive zone and collided with the Islanders’ defenceman.

Pelech was bleeding after taking the hit and eventually left the ice — while yelling some choice words in the direction of Cotter — and did not return to the game.

Following the win, New York head coach Patrick Roy didn’t provide an update on Pelech’s status but said “that’s the kind of hit we don’t love to see,” when speaking to reporters.

It is the first fine or suspension of Cotter’s four-year NHL career (271 games). The 25-year-old is in his first season with New Jersey.