Stars' James Neal battles with Rostislav Klesla of Columbus.
Stars' James Neal battles with Rostislav Klesla of Columbus.

By WEB STAFF

sportsnet.ca

TORONTO -- Dallas Stars winger James Neal has been suspended two games for his hit on Columbus' Derek Dorsett Thursday night.

Neal hit Dorsett from behind as he stood at the boards midway through the second period. Dorsett's face hit the glass and he fell to the ice and appeared stunned. He left the game and did not return and is undergoing evaluation.

Dorsett was assessed a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct at the time. The Blue Jackets won the game 4-1.

Neal, a second-year left winger, is the Stars' leading scorer with 11 goals and 22 points. He will miss a game against New Jersey on Saturday and against Carolina on Monday.

Dorsett is in his second year with the Jackets and has 1 goal and four points in 18 games.

The 22-year-old Neal will will forfeit US$8,515 in salary and is eligible to return Nov. 26 at Colorado.