Phoenix’s Torres Suspended 25 Games for Hit in NHL Playoffs

Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi Torres was suspended 25 games by the National Hockey League for a body check that left Marian Hossa of the Chicago Blackhawks on a stretcher.

Torres left his feet while inflicting a “late hit” to Hossa’s head in Game 3 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series on April 17, the NHL said in a statement. Torres wasn’t assessed a penalty on the play at the time.

Hossa, 33, lay on the ice for more than 3 minutes before being taken to a hospital. The five-time All-Star was released and didn’t play in Game 4 two nights ago.

Torres has already served one game of his suspension in Game 4. The ban will carry over until next season if not completed by the end of the playoffs, and Torres won’t be allowed to play in any preseason games until the suspension is served, the league said.

Torres, 30, had a goal and an assist in the first three games of the best-of-seven series, while Hossa was held scoreless. Phoenix leads the series 3-1 and can advance to the next round with a home win tonight.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bob Bensch in London at bbensch@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Christopher Elser at celser@bloomberg.net.