The Calgary Flames found out today that forward Rene Bourque of Lac La Biche, Alberta was suspended five games for a hit on Nicklas Backstrom in Calgary's 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals last night.
Bourque, who elbowed Backstrom in the jaw area, acted in "recklessness" according to Brendan Shanahan, the National Hockey League's Vice-President of Hockey and Business development. Bourque received a two-minute minor for the incident.
Bourque, who previously was suspended for two games on December 19, will have to forfeit over $200,000 in salary. He previously hit Chicago Blackhawk defenceman Brent Seabrook from behind and was disciplined by the NHL.
Backstrom meanwhile, will be out for a few days, before bein reevaluated by the team according to Capitals head coach Dale Hunter.
Bourque is scheduled to return to the lineup on January 17 against the San Jose Sharks. The Flames have a record of 18-18-5 and are four points back of the eighth place Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference. The Flames next play in Boston tomorrow night.
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