THE CANADIAN PRESS

TORONTO -- Jarkko Ruutu is the latest NHLer to be disciplined for a dangerous hit.

The Ottawa Senators forward received a two-game suspension Wednesday after catching Montreal's Maxim Lapierre with an elbow early in the third period of a game on Tuesday night.

"I think it was a deliberate head shot," Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau said Wednesday after his team's practice. "We all know what kind of player he is, so I'll leave it at that."

Earlier this week, the NHL suspended Habs forward Tom Kostopoulos three games for hitting Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Van Ryn from behind.

Ruutu was given a two-minute penalty for charging on the play.

"I don't know if the number of games should be influenced (by a player's reputation)," Carbonneau said. "But I definitely think if it's the kind of player where these things happen a lot, it should definitely enter into the equation."

Ruutu will forfeit almost US$14,000 in salary and will sit out a home-and-home series against the New York Islanders.

Lapierre wasn't available for comment. He practised and was expected to play Thursday night in Boston.

NOTES: Senators general manager Bryan Murray told Sportsnet's Ian Mendes he wasn't happy with the length of suspension.

"(We’re) disappointed that it is two games, but obviously the NHL have set a very high standard for a hit like this that I felt deflected off the shoulder to the head," Murray said. "Especially for a player with no history of suspensions, no history of even being called in front of the league. But we do have to abide by what is called. And obviously going forward we know now that this is the standard for anybody that gets hit in the head area."

Mendes also spoke to Ruutu about the suspension and the player accepted the consequences of his actions.

"Well obviously, it is what it is, and I have to live with it," Ruutu said. "Like I said, I had no intention to do it, but accidents will happen and I’ll have to deal with the consequences."