Coyotes' Rinaldo suspended 6 games for punching Avalanche's Girard

Arizona Coyotes forward Zac Rinaldo was suspended six games for an unsuspecting punch to Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard on Wednesday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced.

The punch came on Saturday night, when after delivering a hit to Nathan MacKinnon, Rinaldo jumped Girard, resulting in a line brawl.

This marks the fifth time Rinaldo has faced supplemental discipline from the league. He's now been suspended for 25 games, served two fines, and forfeited a total of $173,955 in salary, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli.

Rinaldo will be eligible to return to the Coyotes' lineup on Jan. 13 against the San Jose Sharks.