Devils' Cotter suspended 2 games for high hit on Islanders' Pelech

New Jersey Devils forward Paul Cotter was suspended two games for an illegal check to the head of New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Monday.

Cotter was given a match penalty on the play, which occurred during the second period of Sunday's tilt.

The suspension will leave Cotter out of action for New Jersey's final two games of the regular season. The Devils play the Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings to close out their campaign before a first-round playoff series against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Cotter's notched 16 goals and six assists in his first season with the Devils.

Pelech left the game after the hit and was unable to return. The Islanders have two games remaining this season and were recently eliminated from playoff contention.