Ducks' Antoine Vermette: 10-game suspension upheld

Vermette's 10-game suspension for slashing an official was upheld by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.

Analysis:

Vermette and the NHLPA had been lobbying for a reduced suspension for the centerman, but Bettman reportedly ruled that the contact made with linesman Shandor Alphonso fit under a Category 2 ruling that justifies the assessment of a 10-game ban for "physical abuse of official foul without intent to injure." Vermette will miss his fifth game Saturday due to the suspension and now won't be eligible to return until March 12.