Rangers' John Moore suspended for five games

New York Rangers defenseman John Moore's second dangerous hit since May resulted in a five-game NHL suspension on Wednesday.

The league made the ruling after Moore's in-person hearing in New York with disciplinarian Stephane Quintal, the man who suspended him last spring for two games for an illegal hit to the head.

Moore was called on the carpet Wednesday for a similar hit, which knocked Minnesota Wild forward Erik Haula out of Monday's game.

"Just after Haula releases the puck, Moore drives into him forcefully with his left shoulder," the NHL player safety department's Patrick Bure said in a video. "While initial contact is made with Haula's shoulder, the main point of contract on his hit is Haula's head."

Burke noted that Haula was eligible to be hit at the time, but Moore's approach was wrong. That was evidence by Haula being spun around after contact. Haula didn't return to the game and also sat out Tuesday.

"If Moore is to attempt this extremely difficult hit, his timing and angle of approach must ensure that he hits square through the body," Burke said.

Moore's last suspension was in the Eastern Conference final for hit on Montreal Canadiens forward Dale Weise.

He will forfeit $51,859.75 in pay under Wednesday's ruling.

The suspension was the second this week after no suspensions were handed out during the preseason or first two weeks of the season.

San Jose Sharks forward John Scott was suspended for two games on Monday for leaving the bench on a legal line change to fight the Anaheim Ducks' Tim Jackman.